Stubb declines to represent Europe in talks with Russia, names an alternative

Finnish President Alexander Stubb said he does not see himself as Europe’s representative in negotiations with Russia, and called for the process to be led by the E3 group — France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

He made the statement at a briefing broadcast by the MTV Uutiset channel.

“Personally, I don’t see myself as a representative on this matter. I think it’s important that the major players — that is, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom — lead this process,” Stubb said.

He added that countries such as Finland or Norway could well provide support to the negotiations “in the background.”

Stubb also commented on the timeliness of negotiations, stressing that it is “long overdue for Europe to contact Putin.”

“We are now in a situation where Ukraine holds a strong position militarily, politically, and economically. Therefore, I believe it is long overdue for Europe to contact the Russian leadership — specifically President Putin — and engage in diplomatic negotiations,” the Finnish president said.

Meanwhile, the European Union does not yet plan to appoint a representative for possible negotiations with Russia on ending the war in Ukraine. According to available information, the EU intends to focus first on strategy rather than personalities — that is, to determine exactly which issues should be discussed with the Russian side.

Russia has indicated it would not object to the candidacy of former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as the EU’s negotiator. The European Union sharply rejected that option.

Stubb’s current position diverges from his earlier statements, in which he had hinted at a willingness to serve as Europe’s representative in the negotiations. When asked by journalists whether he was prepared to act as a mediator, he noted that the question “probably cannot be answered in the negative.”