Finnish president asserts Russian leader’s disinterest in ceasefire or peace in Ukraine conflict

Finnish President Alexander Stubb has openly declared that Russian President Vladimir Putin shows no genuine interest in ending the war in Ukraine or even in establishing a ceasefire, describing this stance as a critical obstacle to resolving the ongoing conflict.

Speaking after the recent Coalition of the Willing summit held in Paris, Stubb underscored Finland’s anticipated role in providing security guarantees to Ukraine, though he stressed that any meaningful discussions about such guarantees are premature while hostilities continue unabated, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

“In my opinion, there need to be two stages. First, a ceasefire, and then an attempt to find a solution — which is very difficult — and then, actually, peace. But Putin does not want this, and that is the problem,” Stubb said, highlighting the intransigence of Moscow’s leadership.

The Finnish president further emphasized that Putin’s objectives remain unchanged: a complete subjugation of Ukraine and the destruction of its sovereignty. “Both. Because Putin’s goal and strategy have not changed — he wants all of Ukraine, he wants to destroy Ukraine and its sovereignty... Russia, especially Putin, only understands strength. Therefore, pressure is needed, and sanctions are the only solution,” Stubb added.

The Coalition of the Willing meeting, which brought together a number of like-minded nations, aimed to consolidate support for Ukraine and explore pathways for strengthening its security guarantees amid the ongoing conflict.

By Vafa Guliyeva