What can truly help Ukraine? Finland's President weighs in
Finnish President Alexander Stubb (Getty Images)
There is currently no need for additional foreign troops in Ukraine. Instead, the key remains providing funding and modern military equipment, Finnish President Alexander Stubb said, according to Dagens industri.
When asked whether Sweden and Finland should send troops to Ukraine, Stubb responded that the issue is not relevant at this time.
"That's a hypothetical question right now. We often forget that Ukraine has Europe's largest army with 800,000 soldiers. So you have to ask yourself: Is there a need for Swedish and Finnish troops in Ukraine right now? Then the answer is no," he said.
However, he pointed to what could genuinely help Ukraine and its soldiers on the battlefield.
"But is there a need for funding and for war materiel? Then the answer is yes," the president added.
When will there be a ceasefire in Ukraine?
Stubb explained that he has no desire to speculate on when peace between Russia and Ukraine might come, but he expressed hope for an initial ceasefire.
"After that, you start a peace process and begin to negotiate difficult issues related to territories and compensations," he said.
A journalist asked whether the parties are close to achieving a ceasefire and beginning peace talks. In response, Stubb noted that the situation is constantly shifting and remains complex, emphasizing that this is part of the diplomatic process.
"It goes back and forth. It's difficult, but that's diplomacy," he replied.
Stubb has recently taken an active role in efforts related to a ceasefire in Ukraine. Just yesterday, he said that new "technical" negotiations between Ukraine and Russia could take place as early as next week at the Vatican.
Shortly before that, Stubb mentioned that US President Donald Trump is beginning to show impatience regarding the war between Russia and Ukraine — but, as the Finnish president noted, in the right direction.
