Finland’s Stubb says Europe should consider direct talks with Russia

Finnish President Alexander Stubb has said that European countries should consider the possibility of initiating direct negotiations with Russia.

Stubb said in an interview with Corriere della Sera that European leaders are already discussing potential formats and representatives for establishing contact with Moscow, though no decisions have yet been made.

“Yes, it is time to start negotiations with Russia. I do not know when this will happen,” he said. “We have discussed this issue with European leaders who will establish contact, but we do not know yet.”

He added that if U.S. policy on Russia and Ukraine does not align with European interests, Europe should engage in direct dialogue on its own.

Stubb stressed the importance of coordination within Europe, pointing in particular to the E5 group — Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Poland — as well as Nordic and Baltic states.

“Whether this will be a special envoy or a group of leaders, we shall see,” he said.

President Vladimir Putin has previously said Moscow is open to talks with European countries, suggesting potential channels for dialogue while noting that European states could choose their own representatives for negotiations.

By Sabina Mammadli