Finnish President Stubb Says Trump Is Increasing Pressure on Russia Over Ukraine War.
DAVOS, Switzerland — Finnish President Alexander Stubb said Thursday that U.S. President Donald Trump is intensifying pressure on Russia over the war in Ukraine, arguing that conditions are now evolving in a way that favors Western powers and Kyiv.
Speaking to Reuters on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Stubb said diplomatic momentum toward a peace deal has strengthened in recent weeks, particularly after Jared Kushner began supporting the efforts of U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff.
“I think President Trump is putting a lot of pressure on Russia, and I hope he continues to do that,” Stubb said, adding that the evolving negotiations now appear “favourable” from the perspectives of Ukraine, the United States and Europe.
The Finnish leader pointed to a proposed 20-point peace plan that includes security guarantees for Ukraine and a comprehensive reconstruction framework for the war-ravaged country. He said the plan reflects growing alignment among Western allies on how a post-war settlement could take shape.
Stubb’s comments came just days after Washington and European capitals de-escalated a tense dispute over Greenland, a development he said had helped refocus diplomatic energy on Ukraine and wider European security.
Despite his optimism, Stubb expressed doubts that Moscow would readily accept the proposal, citing domestic political constraints inside Russia.
“I’m not convinced Russia will accept the plan,” he said, “largely due to internal political considerations.”
Earlier in Davos, President Trump said his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was “very good” and reiterated that his message to Russian President Vladimir Putin was clear: the war must end.
Trump has in recent weeks sought to position himself as a central broker in efforts to wind down the conflict, signaling a shift toward more direct engagement with both Kyiv and Moscow while coordinating with European allies.
For Finland — a frontline NATO member bordering Russia — Stubb’s remarks underscore how closely Northern Europe is watching Washington’s recalibrated role in shaping the next phase of the Ukraine war.
