Finnish President Says It Is Time for Europe to Start Talking to Russia

Finnish President Alexander Stubb said Monday that it is time for Europe to begin direct talks with Russia. " He added that the timing and format of any dialogue remain uncertain but would require coordination among European countries. Stubb has previously described the opening of communication channels with Russia as inevitable.

In March he told an audience at Chatham House that the moment for political conversations with Russia was approaching. In April he told Estonian media that resuming contact was only a question of when. The Finnish president emphasized the need for unity among European nations before any talks occur.

"The most important thing is that everything must be coordinated among us, especially between the E5 [Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Poland] and the Nordic and Baltic countries, who are on the border," he said. He suggested the dialogue could involve a special envoy or a group of leaders.

Stubb was an early advocate of Finland's accession to NATO. He has supported Ukraine in the ongoing war with Russia while gradually indicating openness to eventual talks with Moscow in recent months. In the same Corriere della Sera interview, he urged European leaders to remain calm regarding the United States and stated that Washington would not fully withdraw from Europe.

He also said peace in Ukraine was not expected this year. The remarks coincide with the first ceasefire of the Russia-Ukraine war, a three-day pause aligned with Victory Day commemorating the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany. Both sides have accused each other of violations during the ceasefire, which has largely held.

“Yes, it's time to start talking to Russia.”