Finnish President: If Russia refuses to cease fire, we must increase our efforts to strengthen Ukraine, increase pressure on Russia
Finnish President Alexander Stubb has said that if Russia refuses to cease fire, partners must increase efforts to strengthen Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia to persuade it to sit at the negotiating table.
"The United States wants peace. Russia, on the other hand, still has to show that it wants real peace. The first step in achieving peace is a ceasefire. There are only two ways to respond to the proposal of the President of the United States: yes or no. No buts, no conditions," he said at a joint press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki.
Stubb stressed that Ukraine accepted the ceasefire proposal without any conditions.
"If Russia refuses to agree, we must increase our efforts to strengthen Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia to persuade it to come to the negotiating table," the president said.
At the same time, he noted the "strong role" that the United States, under the leadership of President Donald Trump, plays in these peace talks.
"Yesterday's phone call between President Trump and President Putin was a step in the right direction toward a full, unconditional ceasefire. Trump wants to stop the killing, and he's right," Stubb said.
As reported, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska are paying an official visit to Finland on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
The Finnish President's website notes that the official talks, which will take place at the Presidential Palace, will focus on Finland's support for Ukraine and steps to end Russia's aggressive war. In addition to the presidents, the discussions will be attended by, among others, Finance Minister Riikka Purra, Defense Minister Antti Edvard Häkkänen and Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen. At the end of the talks, the presidents will hold a joint press conference.
President Zelenskyy's agenda also includes meetings with Parliament Speaker Jussi Halla-aho and Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.
In the afternoon, President Stubb and President Zelenskyy and their wives will meet with students at the University of Helsinki, and the presidents will take part in a discussion session.
