Finnish President Stubb Says Trump is Exerting Pressure on Russia

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Finnish President Alexander Stubb praised U.S. President Donald Trump for applying significant pressure on Russia over the war in Ukraine, saying the geopolitical situation now “favors the West.”

Stubb’s comments reflect the belief among some European leaders that tougher U.S. diplomacy could help shift dynamics in the years-long conflict.

Speaking to Reuters, Stubb said he was optimistic about a nascent peace process that has emerged since Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner began working alongside U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff on a comprehensive peace plan.

• Finnish President Stubb praises Trump for applying pressure on Russia over Ukraine
• Stubb optimistic about peace plan but cautious of Russia’s readiness to negotiate
• Trump and Zelenskyy discuss Ukraine peace at Davos, with focus on security guarantees

The plan outlines security guarantees for Ukraine and a coordinated reconstruction effort should hostilities end. “I think President Trump is putting a lot of pressure on Russia, and I hope he continues to do that,” Stubb said on the sidelines of the forum.

However, Stubb cautioned that Moscow’s willingness to accept such a plan remains doubtful, given internal political constraints facing Russian President Vladimir Putin. While the plan shows promise, substantial hurdles remain before a settlement can be achieved.

Trump, who also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Davos, described the encounter as “very good” and reiterated to Putin that the conflict must end. U.S. envoy Witkoff later said peace talks have narrowed to a single unresolved issue, noting that further negotiations could yield results if all parties remain committed.

Stubb’s remarks come amid broader diplomatic shifts at the forum, including efforts to defuse tensions between the U.S. and Europe over Greenland and Arctic security cooperation. He emphasized the importance of Western unity, while acknowledging skepticism about Russia’s receptiveness to peace proposals.

Also Read: Haddad Supports Durigan as Successor for Brazil’s Finance Ministry

While Europe and the United States remain aligned in backing Ukraine’s sovereignty, Stubb’s comments reflect a nuanced view: strategic pressure, not just negotiation, might be needed to bring Russia to the table, even if such an outcome is uncertain.