This week, we receive Alexander Stubb, President of the Republic of Finland. A fervent support for Ukraine, he comments on the strengthening of European defense and the Russian threat which weighs in particular on his country.
On March 27, 2025, France organized a meeting of the coalition of states supporting kyiv. THE United Kingdom and the France have advanced the future deployment project of a “reinsurance force” in Ukraine. For Alexander Stubb, “Ukraine has the most modern army with great experience and 400,000 soldiers». “”If we can participate with around twenty or thirty thousands of soldiers, it will help a little, but it is not to be on the front line. We focus too much on sending troops but there are many other things that we can do. It’s not just a question of soldiers. The sending of soldiers is rather symbolic.»»
“We are marginalized”
Member States still refuse to appoint a special envoy to EU at the negotiation table, which the president Finnish deplore: “There are many good Europeans who can do it (…) My ambition is to have a European team. While the Ukrainians, the Russian and American had a negotiation team during the last discussions in Saudi Arabia, the EU was present but not with a strong position: we are marginalizedHe said.
“You have to have a European strategy for Ukraine”
While Russia approved to a partial ceasefire, the Finnish president recalls that a complete 30-day ceasefire is necessary: ”Ukrainians, Europeans and Americans wanted a full ceasefire. The Russians accepted a partial cease-fire and laid other conditions. Poutine does not want peace, he does not want to ceases the fever.“And to add:”You have to have a European strategy for Ukraine. EU accession is very important. There is already a lot of progress in negotiations.“While his country has joined theNATO Two years ago, he would like “Seeing Ukraine in NATO one day … But a compromise today would be to give the possibility for Ukraine to immediately adhere to NATO, if the Russians brutally violate a future peace treaty».
The allied countries of Ukraine, gathered at Parishave excluded all of sanctions against Russia. “”We must continue the sanctions and use all the means we have. The only thing Putin understands is power. If we are weak, he will use it against usHe believes. The Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbanclose to Vladimir Putin and Donald Trumprefused to sign in favor of rapid financial aid for the country at war. Alexander Stubb relativizes: “We always find mechanisms to avoid a blockage that comes from Hungary, about sanctions for example. Right now, it’s an à la carte Europe, a little intergovernmental on a few subjects. This is the reality of Europe».
“You have to find solutions to push for defense”
The European Commission announced an investment in defense that can reach 800 billion euros: “We are a union of peace but we always have major projects, such as the internal market or the euro. Now it will be the Defense ! Assures the Finnish head of state. France proposes to contract a large European loan in common, a project now supported by its Nordic country, once very rigorous: “Finland has changed its position on this subject: you all have to find solutions to push for defense. You have to find financial instruments.»»
In terms of customs duties imposed by the Trump administration on certain European products, Alexander Stubb advocates “More world free trade». “”If Donald Trump pushes for additional customs duties, Europe will answer“, He concludes.