Finland’s President Alexander Stubb said a cease‑fire in Ukraine is unlikely in the coming months, outlining three essential requirements for lasting peace.
Stubb’s Optimism on Ukraine Cease‑fire
In an Associated Press interview, Finland’s President Alexander Stubb expressed doubt that the war could end in Ukraine with a cease‑fire or peace talks within the next few months. He stated he is not optimistic about achieving a cease‑fire or starting negotiations, at least this year.
Stubb added that it would be good for progress to “move forward” by March next year, acknowledging that he sees himself as a contemporary European leader with strong ties to former President Donald Trump.
Three Key Demands for Ending the War
Stubb identified three priorities that must be addressed to secure a lasting pause of hostilities: security guarantees for Ukraine, rebuilding its economy, and a framework to resolve territorial claims.
He argued that the United States and Europe must maximise pressure on Russia’s leadership so that the Kremlin revises its strategic view of Ukraine.
Cancelled Trump‑Putin Summit in Budapest
In October, reports emerged of a possible Donald Trump meeting with Vladimir Putin in Budapest, initially confirmed by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
The White House later stated there were no plans for a Trump‑Putin summit “in the near future,” citing that Russia and Ukraine were not yet ready for serious peace talks. The meeting was called off after discussions with Sergiy Laverov and Marco Rubio, who noted that “the Russians have not moved at all,” making it pointless to involve Trump in a dead‑end situation.