Media: Stubb warns Trump Ukraine’s future must include Zelenskyy’s voice

Finland’s President Alexander Stubb has conveyed to US President Donald Trump the need for a patient but firm approach toward Russia, emphasising that the fate of Ukraine must not be decided without the input of its president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Stubb’s comments come after a lengthy conversation with Trump ahead of a scheduled telephone call between Trump and Vladimir Putin, Caliber.Az reports per The Guardian.

Speaking at the Lennart Meri security conference in Estonia, Stubb described Trump as growing increasingly impatient with Putin — a development he views positively if it leads to tougher measures against Russia. Stubb highlighted that Zelenskyy has shown patience throughout the conflict, while Trump’s impatience is “in the right direction,” towards pressuring Russia.

He disclosed that in his conversation with Trump, he had tried to explain that Russia was no longer a great power, “certainly not economically”.

He warned that any negotiations or sanctions must maintain credibility, stating that threats of sanctions lose impact only if they fail to provoke a reaction from Moscow. On this front, Stubb revealed that US senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal are poised to introduce a “bone-crushing” sanctions package targeting Russia’s financial system, particularly foreign firms importing Russian energy.

The legislation aims to impose crippling tariffs to restrict Russia’s economic capabilities, though some elements, such as proposed 500% tariffs on trading partners, may be adjusted.

Stubb also advised that European engagement with Putin should be coordinated through the E3 powers — Britain, France, and Germany — rather than unilateral efforts. He has used his influence to persuade Trump that Russia is no longer a major power economically or militarily, describing its economy as smaller than Italy’s and burdened by high interest rates and depleted reserves.

Stubb explained that Trump’s worldview resembles a 19th-century “concert of powers” approach, mixing competition with cooperation. He argued that the US should be convinced of the benefits of free trade and common rules over transactional deals, emphasising Europe’s commitment to defence and security.

US Ambassador to Nato Matthew Whitaker echoed this hardening stance, warning of reduced patience for delays and stressing the need for practical solutions. Meanwhile, European leaders, including Poland’s Radosław Sikorski, welcomed Trump’s call for increased defence spending, noting NATO’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Europe’s military capabilities.

By Aghakazim Guliyev