President of Finland Alexander Stubb. Photo: Emmi Korhonen / Lehtikuva
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Finnish President Alexander Stubb spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump by phone on Monday to discuss Russia’s war in Ukraine and Finland’s potential role in supplying icebreakers to the United States.
The call comes days before Trump’s declared deadline for a ceasefire agreement between Ukraine and Russia. Trump has warned of renewed sanctions on Russia and on countries buying Russian oil, including China and India, if no deal is reached by Friday.
“President Trump’s deadline for a ceasefire is approaching. Finland supports all efforts towards an immediate ceasefire,” Stubb posted on X, formerly Twitter. He also said long-term negotiations must aim at “a lasting and just peace”.
Stubb confirmed that the two leaders also discussed icebreaker procurement. The U.S. has been in negotiations to acquire icebreakers as part of its Arctic security and infrastructure strategy. Finland is a major player in that field.
“Finland has built 60 percent of the world’s icebreakers,” Stubb said. “We have the capacity to build them reliably and fast.”
In June, Trump publicly mentioned plans to purchase up to 15 icebreakers from Finland. He has advocated for as many as 40 new icebreakers to secure Arctic routes and improve U.S. access to mineral and energy re in March at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. The informal meeting included a round of golf and covered similar topics, including Ukraine and Arctic cooperation.
Last week, shipyard operator Rauma Marine Constructions announced a new industrial partnership with three other maritime firms in Finland. The consortium aims to win a U.S. contract to build two medium-sized Arctic icebreakers within 36 months for the U.S. Coast Guard. The vessels would be built in Finland if the deal is approved.
The joint initiative reflects an increasing push from Washington to modernise its icebreaking fleet. The U.S. currently operates only two functional heavy icebreakers, one of which is more than 45 years old. Officials have raised concerns about the country’s ability to compete with Russia and China in Arctic shipping and infrastructure development.
Russia has more than 40 operational icebreakers, including several nuclear-powered vessels. China has two and is constructing a third. Trump has repeatedly cited the need to close this gap and limit geopolitical influence in Arctic waters.
The phone call between Stubb and Trump follows months of rising pressure on European leaders to support American efforts in Ukraine and to expand transatlantic cooperation in defence industries.
Trump’s proposed sanctions would target energy exports, logistics companies, and financial institutions linked to Russia. While India and China have not signalled any intention to comply with the demands, the Friday deadline has added urgency to diplomatic contacts across Europe and Asia.
The Finnish President has called for European unity and support for Ukraine, while also keeping communication open with the U.S. administration.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
