Donald Trump is the only one who can force Russian leader Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table over the war in Ukraine, Finland's president has told the BBC.
Alexander Stubb also said that Finland would never recognize occupied Crimea as part of Russia and that he wanted to ensure Ukraine became an EU and hopefully NATO member once the war was over.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, President Stubb mentioned Trump's potential impact as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky prepares to meet with Trump at the White House. Stubb expressed optimism about achieving peace with Trump's assistance.
Trump recently stated that Putin has agreed to meet with him in Hungary, showcasing ongoing dialogues aimed at resolving the crisis.
Stubb argued that economic pressure and strategic negotiations are essential to bring Russia to the table, emphasizing that significant consequences must follow if Russia does not engage in peace talks.
He noted that Trump's approach has shown progress, claiming that advancements in discussions have occurred more in the past eight months than in the prior three years during Trump's second term.
Highlighting Russia's economic struggles, Stubb suggested utilizing frozen Russian assets as leverage and ensuring Ukraine's territorial integrity and independence in any future agreements.
As the world watches closely, Stubb's remarks reflect a broader desire for peace and stability in the region.
