Finnish president suggests Europe may reopen diplomatic channels with Russia

President of Finland Alexander Stubb said Europe would eventually need to restore diplomatic channels with Russia’s leadership, adding that the timing would depend largely on whether the current US policy towards Russia and Ukraine aligns with European interests.

Speaking in an interview with Helsingin Sanomat, the Finnish president said Washington’s approach to Moscow differs from that of Europe.

“In Europe, Russia is viewed as the greatest security threat, whereas in the United States this is not necessarily seen in the same way,” Stubb said.

He added that “at some point, it will be in Europe’s interest to restore diplomatic channels with Russia”.

“And that will probably depend on whether the current US policy towards Russia or Ukraine corresponds with Europe’s interests. If the answer is perhaps not, then we are probably approaching a moment when some European leader should engage with President Putin in a coordinated manner. This discussion has been taking place among European leaders over the past two years,” he said.

Stubb also underlined Ukraine’s strategic importance in containing what he described as Russian aggression.

“Ukraine now has the largest and most modern army in Europe. Europe needs Ukraine to deter Russia, because even after the war ends, the Russian threat will not disappear. It would be beneficial for us if Ukraine became a member of the EU and NATO,” the Finnish leader said.

By Aghakazim Guliyev