Finnish president suggests unique approach to US-Ukraine rift: sauna, talk, resolve

Finnish President Alexander Stubb has offered an interesting piece of advice to US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy amid their ongoing tensions.

Stubb likened the dispute between the two leaders to a marital quarrel, suggesting that the key to resolving their differences lies in communication and reflection, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

"I think it always takes two to tango. You know, sometimes in marriage or in any relationship, you go into your corner and get angry, but you have to come out of there, talk, shake hands and move on," Stubb said.

Stubb emphasized that while public diplomacy may not always succeed in resolving complex issues, sometimes a more personal and introspective approach is necessary.

“Sometimes public diplomacy doesn't work. And in such situations, you have to be a Finn: take a deep breath, take a cold bath, go to the sauna and come back to the negotiating table,” he added.

The Finnish leader believes that direct dialogue between Presidents Zelenskyy and Trump is crucial to moving forward.

"The way forward is to get President Zelenskyy and President Trump to talk again and make a deal on the mining. I think that will probably be a turning point for a larger ceasefire agreement and then peace talks," he said.

Stubb also expressed confidence that the US and Ukraine’s positions may not be as divided as they appear publicly, stating, "The US and Ukraine are not as far apart as the public probably thinks."

On March 2, a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump in Washington turned into a sharp altercation, leading Trump to end the dialogue, citing Zelenskyy’s disrespectful behavior. As a result, the planned signing of an agreement on rare earth metals was canceled. Trump also expressed dissatisfaction with Zelenskyy’s unwillingness to address the ongoing conflict with Russia.

A few days prior, Russian President Vladimir Putin had criticized Zelenskyy for delaying peace talks, suggesting that the Ukrainian leader was more concerned about preserving his position than seeking a resolution with Moscow. Putin noted that resuming dialogue with Russia might require Kyiv to lift martial law, which would also necessitate holding the postponed presidential election in Ukraine.

Earlier, Zelenskyy’s office acknowledged a shift in US policy regarding the situation.

By Vafa Guliyeva