Finnish president Stubb says difficult talks may be needed to end war

Any future negotiations with Russia must begin when Ukraine is in a strong position, Finnish President Alexander Stubb said during a joint press conference with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda in Vilnius on Monday, STT reports.

Stubb stressed that if discussions with Russia take place, the negotiating party must have a clear mandate from both Europeans and Ukrainians. He emphasised that such talks would not legitimise Russia’s invasion or its government but acknowledged that “uncomfortable conversations” may sometimes be necessary to end a war.

The Finnish president did not specify what form potential negotiations could take or who might lead them.