Stubb ready to represent Europe in negotiations with Russia — Moscow opposes his candidacy

Finnish President Alexander Stubb has said he is ready to serve as Europe’s representative in peace negotiations with Russia. He made the statement on Yle Radio Finland.

“If I am asked, then this is probably the kind of question you cannot answer in the negative,” Stubb said.

The Finnish president specified, however, that he is prepared to hold talks with Moscow only after it agrees to a ceasefire.

Russia, for its part, is willing to halt hostilities only after Ukrainian forces withdraw from Donbas — a position rejected by both Ukraine and European countries.

The Russian side reacted negatively to Stubb’s potential candidacy. First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs Vladimir Dzhabarov stated that the Finnish president cannot serve as a mediator in dialogue between Moscow and Brussels. According to the senator, Stubb has repeatedly demonstrated an unfriendly stance toward Russia. Dzhabarov also recalled previous statements by the Finnish president which, in his assessment, were linked to revanchist sentiments over territories lost by Finland in the past.

The day before, Finnish media reported that the country’s president could play an important role in negotiations with Russia. In addition to Stubb, former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö are also being considered in Europe as possible negotiators.