The President of Finland suggested the possibility of a new dialogue between Europe and Russia
Finnish President Alexander Stubb stated that Europe is gradually approaching the resumption of dialogue with Russia. He explained this by the weakening of the Kremlin’s positions in the war against Ukraine and the strategic interests of the European Union.
According to Stubb, the situation on the front is not changing in favor of Moscow, and Ukraine is currently in a stronger position. He believes that under such conditions, Russia may be interested in starting the negotiation process.
“We can say that Ukraine will largely win this war,” Stubb emphasized.
The President of Finland called the interests of Europe the second reason for the possible return of contacts with Moscow. In his opinion, the EU must be present at the negotiating table, otherwise it risks becoming the object of decisions by other states.
“If you don’t sit at the table, you will be eaten at this table,” Stubb noted.
At the same time, he emphasized that it is too early to talk about the specific format of such contacts or who exactly will represent Europe. Stubb also stated that the European Union remains consolidated, and the first step towards a political process should be a ceasefire.
In his opinion, European countries could be more actively involved in peace efforts, particularly against the backdrop of the growing US attention to the crisis around Iran.
