Finland's President Stubb: We should talk to Putin; he's the European who can connect with Trump

Finnish President Alexander Stubb, speaking from the presidential palace in Helsinki, asserted his belief in the continued effectiveness of NATO's Article 5. In an interview, Stubb highlighted Ukraine's improved position in its defense against Russia and discussed his potential role as a European liaison with Putin.

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I don't want to overestimate my influence on the President of the United States. But it is true that I come from a small country, and it is very important to have a good working relationship with the most powerful president in the world.

Stubb acknowledged his relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump, describing it as pragmatic and built on more than just golf. He noted that Finland, despite its smaller size, possesses assets like icebreakers, minerals, and quantum technology that interest the United States. This, coupled with respect for Finland's military, forms the basis of their connection, which Stubb maintains through regular communication, including recent text exchanges.

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Foreign policy is never black and white, it is never binary.

Addressing the past dispute over Greenland, Stubb characterized his approach as pragmatic rather than critical. He explained that foreign policy is complex and that his relationship with Trump, which began about 18 months prior, has evolved through various topics, from Ukraine and Russia to Iran. Stubb expressed confidence that the Greenland issue has been contained, with pathways for resolution through trilateral talks and enhanced Arctic security measures, including provisions in NATO's Ankara summit document.

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Our goal at the beginning of this year was to try to contain the situation and find a way out. I believe we have succeeded.