 "How can Ukraine end war with Russia? Finland’s President Stubb says it should ‘learn from our mistake’")
Finland’s President Alexander Stubb told Firstpost in an interview that Ukraine must decide for itself how to end the war with Russia but should “learn from our mistake” — referring to Finland’s post-war compromise with the Soviet Union that cost it part of its sovereignty.
“We lost our sovereignty after the war with the Soviet Union. We lost 10 per cent of our territory to Moscow,” Stubb said, recalling Finland’s experience after World War II. “We want Ukraine to have sovereignty and the right to preserve its territory. Statehood must be based on independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.”
Asked if that meant Ukraine should cede land to Russia, Stubb replied firmly, “Not at all. We just want Ukraine to learn from our mistake. But first, there has to be a ceasefire.”
On Donald Trump’s approach to Russia, Stubb said, “Trump has two gears — carrot and stick. He is sincerely trying to end the war. He tried carrots in Alaska and during phone conversations. Trump felt Putin promised something, but he deceived him. The stick approach has been US sanctions and secondary sanctions. He’s a tough negotiator.”
Stubb ruled out Finland hosting a Trump-Putin meeting, saying, “No, that’s not our position. It has to be neutral territory. They should meet at the G20 in Johannesburg. And if not Trump-Putin, then perhaps a Zelensky-Putin meeting.”
Impact Shorts
More ShortsOn Trump’s recent hosting of European leaders in Washington — criticised by some for its optics — Stubb said, “He wanted to keep the process alive and finalise security guarantees. I don’t look at optics in foreign policy. I liked being in the Oval Office with other European leaders.”
 "‘India will be the next superpower, must be in UNSC’: Finland’s President Stubb tells Firstpost | Interview")
 "Exclusive: How did Finland crack the Trump code? President Stubb says ‘it started with golf’")
 "Will China-made submarines traverse Pakistan’s waters in 2026? Should India worry?")
 "Valencia President Carlos Mazón steps down after mismanagement of deadly floods")
 "‘India will be the next superpower, must be in UNSC’: Finland’s President Stubb tells Firstpost | Interview")
 "Exclusive: How did Finland crack the Trump code? President Stubb says ‘it started with golf’")
 "Will China-made submarines traverse Pakistan’s waters in 2026? Should India worry?")
 "Valencia President Carlos Mazón steps down after mismanagement of deadly floods")
