Overview
- President Alexander Stubb said Europe’s dialogue with Russia will be restored at some point, offering his view as Finland debates the timing of reengagement.
- Stubb told Yle that not all negotiations or channels of influence should be discussed publicly.
- He said any contacts should be coordinated across Europe and that goals for talks should be set jointly by European countries.
- Former president Sauli Niinistö recently urged direct talks with Russia, while Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen and Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said it is not yet the right time.
- The Kremlin’s Dmitry Peskov reiterated Russia’s stated readiness for a peaceful settlement in Ukraine and accused European leaders and Kyiv of unwillingness to engage.