Finland’s Stubb says he is willing to represent EU in peace talks with Russia

Finnish President Alexander Stubb said on Sunday 24 May that he would be willing to represent Europeans in potential peace negotiations with Russia.

Source: European Pravda, citing Yle Radio Suomi

Details: Stubb said that if he were asked about his readiness to become a negotiator, it would probably not be something he could say no to.

However, the Finnish president stressed that he would only be prepared to take part in such negotiations after Russia had agreed to a ceasefire.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in May that Europe should have its own representative in peace talks with Russia. Stubb said he would be ready to take on the role if asked.

Background:

• Earlier reports suggested the European Union was considering former German chancellor Angela Merkel, former Italian prime minister Mario Draghi and Finnish President Alexander Stubb as potential EU negotiators.
• On 20 May, Zelenskyy reported that Kyiv has had "productive interaction" with the United States that gave him hope for the resumption of peace talks with Russia, potentially with European involvement.
• EU foreign ministers are due to discuss the merits of possible candidates for the role of negotiator with Russia during an informal meeting in Cyprus on 27-28 May.

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