Finnish president calls on Trump to demand Ukraine ceasefire agreement from Putin within 3 weeks
Finnish President Alexander Stubb is putting pressure on President Trump to set a deadline for Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine by April 20. Stubb commended Trump’s negotiation skills, stating that he is the best person to mediate peace in the situation.
Stubb emphasized the importance of not leaving the ceasefire negotiation process open-ended. He stated, “We need a ceasefire, and we need a date for the ceasefire. And that date should be the 20th of April.” This deadline coincides with Orthodox Easter and also marks three months since Trump’s inauguration.
Stubb warned that if Putin continues to resist the ceasefire, the United States and Europe should impose significant sanctions on Russia. He acknowledged Trump’s efforts to establish a “psychological deadline” for Russia but emphasized the need for a concrete date.
The Finnish president highlighted Finland’s decision to join NATO two years ago due to concerns about the conflict in Ukraine. Stubb expressed support for Ukraine eventually joining the military alliance, a stance that contrasts with the Trump administration’s position.
After meeting with Trump in Florida and engaging in discussions and a round of golf, Stubb emphasized the importance of European countries taking more responsibility for their own defense. He acknowledged American concerns about European reliance on the United States for defense spending.
Stubb described the relationship between the U.S. and Europe as undergoing a transition but emphasized the enduring alliance between the two. He stated, “Just because ideologically there are differences at times between Europeans and Americans doesn’t mean that we’re going to sever or divorce.”
In conclusion, Stubb’s call for a deadline on Putin to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine underscores the urgency of resolving the conflict. By pushing for a concrete date and emphasizing the need for European countries to enhance their defense capabilities, Stubb is advocating for a more secure and stable future in the region.
