Finland’s President Stubb: US set to increase pressure on Putin

Finland’s President Alexander Stubb said he believes it is only a matter of time before the United States ramps up pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin, as Washington shifts from conciliatory measures to tougher action.

“Having seen that carrots rarely work with the Russians, he has moved to the stick stage,” Stubb told POLITICO and a small group of reporters in Helsinki. “Now it’s just a question of how big the stick is going to be.”

Stubb, who is known for his warm personal ties with U.S. President Donald Trump after the two bonded on the golf course, expressed optimism that Washington’s stance toward Moscow is hardening. He pointed in particular to the sharp criticism of Putin voiced publicly by Trump and senior U.S. officials in recent weeks.

A staunch advocate of Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s full-scale invasion, Stubb said the change in tone from Washington has strengthened his confidence that the U.S. will increase its backing for Kyiv and intensify efforts to isolate Putin internationally.

By Vugar Khalilov