Finland's President Urges Europe to Hold Its Nerve Amid Ongoing Conflict in Ukraine
President Alexander Stubb emphasizes the need for European endurance and resilience as support for Ukraine continues amidst a corruption scandal.
In the midst of ongoing conflict, Finland’s President Alexander Stubb has urged European allies to maintain their support for Ukraine despite a corruption scandal that has engulfed Kyiv.
Speaking to The Associated Press, Stubb emphasized that a ceasefire in Ukraine is unlikely before spring, and Europe will need to exhibit ‘sisu’—a Finnish word meaning endurance, resilience, and grit—to endure the winter months as Russia continues its hybrid attacks and information war across the continent.
Stubb, who serves as a key European interlocutor between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, understands the stakes due to Finland’s shared border with Russia.
He leverages his relationship with Trump to argue for Ukraine's cause, explaining the situation on the battlefield and how to deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Although Stubb acknowledges that achieving a ceasefire or peace negotiations may not be imminent, he stresses the importance of security guarantees for Ukraine, rebuilding its economy, and addressing territorial claims.
Stubb commends Trump’s efforts in sanctioning major Russian energy companies but argues that more needs to be done to strengthen Ukraine's military capacity.
He suggests using frozen Russian assets as collateral to fund Ukraine and increasing military pressure on Moscow.
Stubb praises Zelensky for his leadership amidst the conflict, highlighting the challenges of leading a country during war.
When dealing with Trump’s shifting positions on Ukraine and Russia, Stubb remains patient and focuses on finding practical solutions rather than being swayed by illusions.
He maintains that the work to achieve peace is progressing, with various countries committing resources towards guaranteeing Ukraine's security.
The Finnish president also addresses the ongoing hybrid war in Europe, where multiple European countries have faced incursions from Russian drones and alleged sabotage campaigns.
Stubb advises dealing with these threats by remaining cool, calm, and collected—a reminder to ‘be Finnish’—and exhibiting resilience in the face of adversity.
Speaking to The Associated Press, Stubb emphasized that a ceasefire in Ukraine is unlikely before spring, and Europe will need to exhibit ‘sisu’—a Finnish word meaning endurance, resilience, and grit—to endure the winter months as Russia continues its hybrid attacks and information war across the continent.
Stubb, who serves as a key European interlocutor between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, understands the stakes due to Finland’s shared border with Russia.
He leverages his relationship with Trump to argue for Ukraine's cause, explaining the situation on the battlefield and how to deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Although Stubb acknowledges that achieving a ceasefire or peace negotiations may not be imminent, he stresses the importance of security guarantees for Ukraine, rebuilding its economy, and addressing territorial claims.
Stubb commends Trump’s efforts in sanctioning major Russian energy companies but argues that more needs to be done to strengthen Ukraine's military capacity.
He suggests using frozen Russian assets as collateral to fund Ukraine and increasing military pressure on Moscow.
Stubb praises Zelensky for his leadership amidst the conflict, highlighting the challenges of leading a country during war.
When dealing with Trump’s shifting positions on Ukraine and Russia, Stubb remains patient and focuses on finding practical solutions rather than being swayed by illusions.
He maintains that the work to achieve peace is progressing, with various countries committing resources towards guaranteeing Ukraine's security.
The Finnish president also addresses the ongoing hybrid war in Europe, where multiple European countries have faced incursions from Russian drones and alleged sabotage campaigns.
Stubb advises dealing with these threats by remaining cool, calm, and collected—a reminder to ‘be Finnish’—and exhibiting resilience in the face of adversity.
