Finnish President Alexander Stubb, in an interview with Yle Radio Suomi, admitted that he could become a representative of the European Union in peace negotiations with the aggressor country Russia.
He made it clear that he is ready to represent the EU if the appropriate request is received.
“If you ask me, it probably can’t be answered in the negative,” Stubb said.
Helsingin Sanomat writes that the Finnish president can lead the negotiation process on the EU side, citing diplomatic and official sources in several European countries. According to the newspaper, Stubb is among the options, but discussions are in the early stages and it is currently unknown whether negotiations will even take place.
In the interview, he also said that the situation at the front for Ukraine now looks much better than at any time since the start of the full-scale invasion, and the popularity of the war in Russia is declining. He also indicated that Helsinki “categorically prohibited” Ukraine from using its airspace to launch strikes on the Russian Federation.
In early May, in an interview with Corriere della Sera, Stubb said that after unsuccessful US attempts to mediate in peace negotiations, the EU should try to establish contact with Moscow, in addition to Washington.
“It seems to me that we should act directly. Yes, it’s time to start a conversation with Russia. I don’t know when exactly. We discussed with European leaders who will establish contact, so far there is no answer,” he noted.
