Finnish President Alexander Stubb believes the time has come for European governments to engage directly with Moscow.
According to dpa, the Finnish leader said this in an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.
“It's time to start speaking with Russia. When that will be, I don't know,” Stubb said.
He added that, in his view, U.S. policy toward Russia and Ukraine no longer aligns with Europe’s interests, meaning Europe must engage directly.
“We have spoken with European leaders about who should establish contact,” he said, adding that no decision has yet been made on the matter.
It is noted that the most important aspect would be coordination among European countries, especially between France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom, as well as the Nordic and Baltic countries bordering Russia.
“Whether this will be a special envoy or a group of leaders, we will see,” Stubb added.
He also outlined three possible scenarios for Ukraine: continuation of the war, a ceasefire followed by a peace agreement, or the collapse of one of the sides, most likely Russia.
“I believe that the possibility of a peace deal is not on the table, at least not for this year,” the Finnish president emphasized.
