Finnish president urges Europe to take initiative as US strategy on Ukraine falters
Finland's President Alexander Stubb attends a meeting with European leaders and Canadian prime minister in Kyiv, Ukraine on February 24, 2025. (AFP Photo)
Finnish President Alexander Stubb criticized the United States for lacking a cohesive plan to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, calling on European nations to take a more assertive role in peace efforts.
“I personally dare to say that the United States does not have a solid strategy to end this war. That is why we in Europe must take the initiative,” Stubb told Finnish newspaper Iltalehti on Monday.
Despite his critique, Stubb emphasized that trans-Atlantic relations remain intact, though strained. “I do not believe that the trans-Atlantic relationship is collapsing. It is currently being challenged, and recognizing that fact is today’s foreign policy,” he said.
The war in Ukraine has now stretched into its fourth year, with shifting global dynamics potentially creating new pathways toward resolution. U.S. President Donald Trump, who campaigned on pledges to end the conflict, has pursued direct engagement with Russia while largely sidelining both Ukraine and European allies—an approach that has generated significant criticism across Europe.
Finnish president urges for Ukraine’s say in peace deal
When asked about potential peace terms, Stubb rejected any scenario where Moscow dictates conditions. “It is resolved by the fact that the peace agreement is not Putin’s peace agreement, in which Putin dictates to Ukraine what will be done,” he stated.
Drawing a historical parallel to Finland’s own experience, Stubb warned against abandoning Ukraine as Finland was left alone against Russia in 1944.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues advocating for NATO membership, maintaining that Ukraine requires the alliance’s security guarantees to establish lasting peace. Several European leaders and top EU officials recently gathered in Kyiv to commemorate the third anniversary of the Russian invasion and demonstrate solidarity.
However, the Trump administration has indicated that Ukraine’s aspirations for NATO membership and hopes of reclaiming territory lost since 2014 face significant obstacles.
