Finland President Alexander Stubb had an extensive interview with Neue Zuercher Zeitung (NZZ), on June 7 at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki. He emphasized that he thought it was time for Europe to initiate negotiations with Russia (even though he erroneously believes that Russia is weakening).
NZZ: “Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed a meeting with Putin in a letter to negotiate peace. There is much discussion in Europe about whether it should somehow participate in negotiations and call the Russian president. What do you think about this?
STUBB: “Yes, I believe we should talk to Putin. Negotiations with the Russians are only possible when they are not in a position of strength. We must do this together with the Americans, but at the same time ask ourselves whether American foreign policy towards Russia and Ukraine is currently in Europe’s interest. If not—and in certain aspects, it isn’t—then we must get involved. But in a coordinated way. Ideally, the first step would come from the European Union; and if that fails, from the E3, that is, France, Germany, and Great Britain; and if that also fails, we would have to find another format.”
Stubb downplayed speculation that he could be the one tapped for such negotiations, given his close relationship with Pres. Donald Trump, and said that the negotiations should be led by the EU institutions, major players, or even back channels, because diplomacy is complicated, and doesn’t come down to a personality as such.
