EU should negotiate with russia on its own in case of change in US policy - Stubb
Europe must prepare for direct dialogue with moscow if US foreign policy ceases to align with the interests of the European Union. Finnish President Alexander Stubb has stated this in an extensive interview with the Corriere della Sera.
He emphasized that it is time for European leaders to think about taking the initiative in resolving the conflict so as not to remain hostage to Washington’s decisions.
The Finnish leader emphasized that any diplomatic steps must be clearly coordinated within the continent. A key role in this process is assigned to the E5 countries—Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Poland—in close cooperation with the Nordic and Baltic states, which share a direct border with russia. According to Stubb, various options for the format of future contacts are currently being considered, including the appointment of a special envoy or the formation of a separate group of leaders.
“If US policy toward Russia and Ukraine does not align with Europe’s interests, as I believe it does not, then we must act directly. Yes, it is time to start talking to Russia. I do not know when that will happen. We have discussed with European leaders who will initiate contact, but we do not know yet,” Stubb added.
Despite calls for a willingness to act without intermediaries, the Finnish president remains pessimistic about a quick outcome. He noted that he does not see the preconditions for signing a peace agreement between Ukraine and russia in 2026. Stubb concluded that although the time for talks with russia is gradually approaching, the European community is still in the process of determining exactly who should initiate the first contact and when.
As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, Finnish President Alexander Stubb recently made a sharp shift in his position regarding the possibility of a diplomatic resolution to the war in Ukraine, openly stating that he has lost all illusions about negotiations with the kremlin.