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. BBC Radio 4's Today program spoke to President Stubb ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's meeting with Trump at the White House on Friday, where he told the US president: 'I think we can end this war with your help.' Meanwhile, Trump said that Putin has agreed to meet face-to-face with him in Hungary.

Stubb mentioned that Trump has a unique influence, stating, 'What we need is not so much the power of the carrot to convince Russia to the negotiating table; it's more of the stick that will bring them.' This statement underscores the belief that a firm approach is necessary to achieve peace. He expressed optimism about the possibility of a resolution, hinting that discussions could yield progress shortly.

Additionally, Stubb discussed the state of Russia's economy, which he described as struggling, indicating it is smaller than Italy's, with depleted reserves and rising inflation.

Stubb's comments come at a critical time as Ukraine seeks to reaffirm its territorial integrity and pursue EU and NATO membership, heavily depending on international support and negotiations involving major players like the US.