Finnish president declines role as Europe's negotiator with Putin

Finnish President Alexander Stubb has said that he believes it is necessary to begin dialogue with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, but that he does not intend to act as Europe's chief negotiator.

Source: Stubb during a joint press conference with Kenyan President William Ruto on 10 June, as reported by MTV Uutiset

Details: Oleksandr Merezhko, Chair of the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament) Foreign Affairs Committee, earlier suggested that Stubb should represent Europe in ceasefire negotiations. Merezhko described the Finnish president as "an excellent diplomat" capable of conducting negotiations and communicating effectively with the US president.

However, Stubb rejected the proposal. In his view, Europe should be represented in negotiations by the so-called E3 group consisting of France, Germany and the UK. Meanwhile, countries such as Finland and Norway could make meaningful contributions behind the scenes.

Quote: "Personally, I do not see myself as a representative in this matter. I believe this should be led by the major players, namely France, Germany and the UK."

Details: Stubb also said that now is an appropriate moment to begin dialogue with Putin because Ukraine is in a strong position.

Quote: "We are currently in a situation where Ukraine holds strong positions militarily, politically and economically. Therefore, I believe the time has come for Europe to establish contact with Russia's leadership, specifically President Putin, in order to conduct diplomatic negotiations." [N.B. Ukrainska Pravda does not recognise Putin as president – ed.]

Background:

• The leaders of Ukraine, the UK, France and Germany discussed the conditions required for a just and lasting peace during a meeting in London on 7 June.
• According to the German government, proposals from Germany, France, the UK and Ukraine regarding negotiations with Russia will be discussed next week within the framework of the Group of Seven and subsequently at the European Union summit.

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