Last month, Trump imposed fresh sanctions on two major Russian oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, a decision praised by the Finnish president.
Stubb stated that the U.S. is justified in advancing the bill due to Putin’s refusal to consider a ceasefire. “Putin only listens to oligarchs,” Finland’s leader remarked. “If the oligarchs in Russia decide that the economic situation is too challenging, then changes might occur.”
When asked if Europe should attempt direct engagement with Putin as suggested by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Stubb mentioned: “When the time for direct talks arrives, which it eventually will, it should be coordinated.”
For the time being, Stubb expressed satisfaction with the U.S. taking charge. “If we can help, if we can mediate, if we can hold discussions with the Ukrainians, the Americans, and Europeans, I believe that’s sufficient,” he said, emphasizing that a fair and lasting peace is more important than Europe seeking a photo opportunity.
Ceasefire ‘not in the cards’
Regarding a ceasefire in Ukraine, Stubb was pessimistic, noting he had advocated for a ceasefire deadline around Easter, prior to the August 15 Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska, and again before the November 22-23 G20 summit in Johannesburg.
“Based on current insights and discussions with [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelenskyy on Friday, and with my American and European friends recently, a ceasefire does not seem likely,” he concluded.
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