Ukraine ceasefire possible within 3–6 months, Finnish president suggests

This is reported by Yle.

The politician said he cautiously welcomes U.S. President Donald Trump’s initiatives to achieve peace in Ukraine.

“First, there will be efforts for a ceasefire, which will take between three and six months, and then peace negotiations,” Stubb stated.

According to the Finnish president, Finland’s policy is based on the principles of independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Stubb believes that in the coming days, weeks, and months, Ukraine should be supported so that it has a strong position when potential peace talks with Russia begin.

Stubb admitted that after speaking with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last week, his optimism increased.

The politician was also asked about the chances of U.S. President Donald Trump bringing Russian leader Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table. In response, he highlighted Trump’s method of issuing ultimatums and forcing Putin into peace talks. Stubb believes that Putin should be forced into negotiations rather than persuaded.

“Personally, I think Putin understands only tough rhetoric. And that is exactly the language Donald Trump is using with him now,” said the Finnish president.

According to Stubb, there is no risk that peace in Ukraine will be discussed without Ukraine’s participation. He is confident that Europe must also be involved in the negotiations in some form, as they will determine the future of European security structures.

• During a briefing on January 25, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that he banned negotiations with Russia at the beginning of the full-scale invasion to prevent separatism in the country.
• At the same time, the Ukrainian president expressed hope that future potential negotiations would also involve the U.S. and Europe.
• Meanwhile, on January 28, Putin demanded that Zelenskyy revoke his decree banning negotiations with Russia, while calling the Ukrainian president “illegitimate.”