President of the Republic Alexander Stubb during his visit to Maarianhamina in Åland on 25 August 2025. Photo: Moein Eshghi / Str / Lehtikuva
- Next Article Stubb: only Trump can push Putin toward peace in Ukraine
President Alexander Stubb said on Monday that Europe’s relationship with Russia cannot be restored to its previous state, regardless of future developments, unless a lasting and fair peace is achieved in Ukraine.
Speaking at the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference in Åland, Stubb said that the consequences of Russia’s decision to violate international norms must be permanent.
“Even then, relations cannot return to what they were,” he said. “A decision to break common rules cannot be left without consequences.”
He delivered his remarks in Maarianhamina, where representatives from Baltic Sea region parliaments had gathered for an annual meeting. The event was also streamed by Finnish media, including Ilta-Sanomat.
In a press conference held after the speech, Stubb described the international community’s efforts to end the war in Ukraine as oscillating between hope and despair.
He said the primary objective must be to guarantee Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity in any future settlement.
“The most important thing is that Ukraine remains an independent and self-determined state,” he said.
The president’s statements reflect Finland’s current stance within both the European Union and NATO, where the country has pushed for a firm line against Russia following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Finland, which shares a 1,340-kilometre border with Russia, joined NATO in April 2023.
Stubb did not offer specific comments on the timeline or form of a possible peace agreement but emphasised that any sustainable outcome must recognise Ukraine’s rights under international law.
HT
- Next Article Stubb: only Trump can push Putin toward peace in Ukraine
Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
