Finnish president: Ukraine unlikely to see ceasefire until spring
Photo: President of Finland Alexander Stubb (Getty Images)
A ceasefire in Ukraine is unlikely to be reached before spring. European Union allies need to continue supporting Kyiv despite the recent corruption scandal, according to Finnish President Alexander Stubb, RBC-Ukraine reports, citing Associated Press.
"I’m not very optimistic about achieving a ceasefire or the beginning of peace negotiations, at least this year," Stubb said.
According to him, to bring peace to Ukraine, US President Donald Trump and European leaders must exert maximum pressure on Russia and its dictator Vladimir Putin to change his strategic thinking.
"Putin basically wants to deny the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine - aims that have not altered since the war began nearly four years ago," the Finnish president emphasized.
Stubb noted that there are three major issues on the path to a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia: security guarantees for Ukraine, the restoration of its economy, and reaching "some sort of understanding about territorial claims."
He also added that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy must swiftly address the allegations of bribery and embezzlement.
According to the Finnish president, this scandal plays into Russia's hands.
At the same time, he called on European leaders to consider increasing financial and military support for Ukraine.
Earlier, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that he warned Zelenskyy at the start of his presidency about the potential for Russia to exploit any corruption scandals in Ukraine for propaganda purposes.
RBC-Ukraine also compiled key comments from American and European officials regarding the corruption scandal in Ukraine, particularly in the context of ongoing military and financial support for Kyiv.
