Finnish president believes Europe-Russia dialogue could begin within weeks
Finnish President Alexander Stubb has suggested that there are quiet signals indicating Russia may be willing to engage in a dialogue with the European Union on the situation in Ukraine.
Source: Finnish public service media company Yle, as reported by European Pravda
Details: Stubb said both informal and diplomatic engagements at the European level are continuing.
The Finnish president also stressed that Ukraine is currently in a stronger position than at any other point during the war, while the United States is still focused on the situation involving Iran.
Quote: "I would like Europe to return to negotiations and resume dialogue.
If the European institutions are unable to do this, a decision will probably be taken at the European Council summit on 18 July. It would then be advisable to establish a group of representatives – Germany, France, the UK, Italy and a border state, for example, Poland.
There must be an understanding of what Russia's foreign and security policy will look like in the future. At some point, dialogue will have to be resumed, both at the European level and, in Finland's case, bilaterally."
Background:
- On 10 June, Stubb said he does not see himself as a negotiator in any potential talks with Russia.
- In May, however, Stubb said he was willing to represent Europeans in potential peace negotiations with Russia.
- Bloomberg reports that Germany, France and the UK are developing a plan aimed at bringing Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table.
- A German official, speaking anonymously, told Reuters that a window of opportunity is gradually opening for dialogue between Russia and Europe on ending the war, but only in full coordination with Ukraine.
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