Finland’s President Alexander Stubb said Russia will not stop with Ukraine if it is not countered with strength in any negotiations over a ceasefire or peace.
He said this in an interview with Bloomberg, Ukrinform reports.
“The only thing that Vladimir Putin understands is power. You show any kind of a weakness and he will basically go after you,” Stubb said.
He said that the key risk of any peace agreement regarding Ukraine lies in whether it can be upheld, recalling that since 2014, Putin had violated ceasefire agreements 25 times — a figure previously mentioned by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Stubb expressed doubt that Putin could be trusted but acknowledged Donald Trump’s ability to negotiate tough deals. He stressed that if any agreement showed weakness or amounted to a loss for Ukraine, it would be a defeat for everyone.
The Finnish president proposed a three-stage plan, suggesting that Ukraine must first be placed in a strong position. This, he explained, would require increased support for Ukraine, tougher sanctions against Russia, and the use of frozen Russian assets, combined with security arrangements where Ukraine takes the lead, Europe provides support, and the United States ensures backing. He added that this should be followed by a ceasefire and then peace negotiations.
Stubb also urged European leaders to remain tough in dealing with Russia.
Photo: Antti Aimo-Koivisto / Lehtikuva
Source: Finland's Stubb urges Europe to confront Putin with strength
