Finland's Stubb Calls on Ere to Confront Putin with Force

He mentioned this in an interview with Bloomberg, Ukrinform reports.

“The only thing Vladimir Putin understands is strength. If you show the slightest sign of weakness, he will immediately start persecuting you,” Stubb said.

He said the main risk of any peace deal in Ukraine was whether it would be respected, recalling that Putin had violated ceasefire agreements 25 times since 2014, a figure previously cited by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Read also: European Commission President: “Strength is the path to peace. Weakness breeds new wars”

Stubb expressed doubts about Putin's credibility, but acknowledged Donald Trump's ability to make difficult deals. He stressed that if any agreement was perceived as a sign of weakness or a loss for Ukraine, it would be a loss for everyone.

The Finnish president proposed a three-step plan, which would require Ukraine to first take a strong position. This, he explained, would require increased support for Ukraine, tougher sanctions against Russia and the use of frozen Russian assets, combined with security measures, with Ukraine taking the lead, Eure providing aid and the US providing support. He added that this would have to be followed by a ceasefire and then peace talks.

Stubb also called on EU leaders to remain firm in dealing with Russia.

Photo: Antti Aimo-Koivisto/Lehtikuva