Overview
- Speaking on BBC Radio 4 on Oct. 18, President Alexander Stubb argued that punitive economic measures, not incentives, are the pragmatic path to bring Moscow to the table.
- He proposed a complete halt to Russian oil and gas exports to Europe and warned that countries continuing to buy Russian energy could face sanctions.
- Stubb cited depleted reserves, near-zero growth, and inflation running between 10% and 20% as evidence of mounting pressure on Russia’s economy.
- He said President Donald Trump plans to meet Vladimir Putin in Budapest after a phone call this week and described Trump as the only leader capable of compelling talks.
- Stubb reaffirmed that Finland will never recognize Crimea, Donetsk, or Luhansk as Russian, backed Ukraine’s EU and NATO path, and outlined a two‑phase approach starting with a ceasefire followed by broader talks.