President Alexander Stubb in Helsinki on the 5th of December. Photo: Roni Rekomaa / Lehtikuva
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President Alexander Stubb has cancelled his upcoming trip to the United States due to what he described as a critical phase in Ukraine-related negotiations.
Stubb was scheduled to travel to Texas early next week for the unveiling of Finland’s first F-35 fighter jet in Fort Worth and for the opening of a new Finnish consulate in Houston. Both events were removed from his itinerary.
Iltalehti was the first to report the cancellation.
Speaking at a press conference in The Hague on Friday, Stubb said the decision was made due to the rapidly evolving situation in Ukraine. “The pace has picked up,” he said, noting that peace negotiations are closer to a conclusion than at any point in the past four years.
The Office of the President confirmed that Stubb will instead take part in talks in Europe next week focused on Ukraine’s future and security guarantees. He did not name the location, but reports have confirmed a high-level meeting is scheduled for Monday in Berlin. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is hosting the event, which is expected to include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi, EU and NATO representatives, and other European leaders.
Stubb did not confirm his own attendance but said his travel plans would be finalised over the weekend.
At the press event, Stubb said key issues still under discussion include territorial questions and Ukraine’s potential EU membership. “One of the desired outcomes is a clear confirmation of Ukraine’s European path,” he said.
Stubb added that any suggestion of recognising territories occupied by Russia was unacceptable. “Finland will never recognise any part of Ukraine as Russian territory,” he said.
The president made the announcement during a state visit to the Netherlands, where he has been meeting with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima and discussing bilateral relations and European security.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
