Finland claims growing Russian interest in peace negotiations

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen has said she sees “real interest” from Russia in peace negotiations, Yle reports.

Valtonen suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin is beginning to show interest in peace talks, marking what she described as a shift in Moscow’s approach.

She noted that Russia had previously shown no indication of readiness for negotiations and had instead focused on prolonging the process.

According to Valtonen, Russia is now under increasing pressure due to a weakening economic situation and deteriorating political position.

“There is now a clear sense that there is more pressure in Russia as well, because the economic situation is weak and its political cards are no longer as favorable as they were a few months ago,” she said.

Valtonen said EU foreign ministers had also discussed the European Union’s potential role in future peace negotiations.

She added that the EU now has greater room to act, as the United States is currently focused on the Middle East and has not accelerated efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The Finnish foreign minister emphasized that the key issue is not necessarily who represents the EU in such talks, but the need to build trust between the parties involved.

She underlined the importance of extending any ceasefire, maintaining support for Ukraine, and increasing pressure on Russia through sanctions.

“It would be wonderful if this current or previous ceasefire could be extended and expanded so that negotiations could move forward,” Valtonen concluded.

By Vafa Guliyeva