Stubb praises Putin's analytical approach in direct phone talks

Finnish President Alexander Stubb has offered a detailed assessment of his recent diplomatic interactions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speaking in an interview with the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Stubb characterized Putin as a leader who is perceptive, analytical, and very well-prepared. He noted that the Russian president maintains a calm demeanor during discussions and is an effective listener.

The comments refer to a telephone conversation that took place last month. Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre initiated the call with Putin on their own initiative. Stubb described the exchange as a good, straightforward, and frank discussion. He emphasized that the tone was businesslike, allowing for a direct exchange of views between the European leaders and the Kremlin.

Stubb clarified that the decision to make the call was coordinated with Ukraine. He stated that he speaks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on a daily basis. The primary objective of the phone call was to convey Ukraine's key messages regarding the upcoming negotiations directly to the Russian side. Stubb stressed that the initiative was designed to keep Europe actively involved in the process.

While acknowledging that Russia's fundamental position has not shifted, Stubb noted that Putin continues to deny Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. However, he highlighted a positive development: the return of the negotiating table in Abu Dhabi. He argued that this progress is significant for the broader context of European security.

The Finnish president stressed that the most important goal is to prevent Europe from handing over responsibility for its own security to the United States. Both Finland and Norway are direct neighbors of Russia, and Stubb pointed out that the outcome of the war will have a direct impact on their security and that of the continent. He posed a critical question about what will happen when the war ends, specifically regarding troop movements to the Finnish border and the need to ensure Russia does not repeat its actions.

Stubb also addressed criticism that the phone call may have divided Europe. He rejected these accusations, arguing that the event marked the first time Europe was able to act as a unified mediator. He revealed that allies were informed before the call took place. Following the conversation, he received a significant amount of positive feedback, with only one negative response recorded among the allied nations.

Looking ahead, Stubb believes it is time for other European countries to step up. He expressed hope that Germany, France, and Italy will take the lead in involving Europe more deeply in the negotiations on Ukraine. He countered the argument that previous attempts to bring Putin to the table have failed by stating that the hope for change through trade had not materialized. In diplomacy, he said, it is crucial not to give up.

With the conflict now lasting more than four and a half years, Stubb warned that the situation will not improve if Europe remains silent. Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy has indicated that following the European leaders' conversation with Putin, there is a sense that Russia is serious about holding a meeting of negotiating teams in Abu Dhabi. Zelenskyy noted that Stubb and Støre clearly communicated the need for real de-escalation measures concerning Ukraine's energy infrastructure.