The President of Finland Alexander Stubb. Photo: Tanel Meos / Lehtikuva
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Finnish President Alexander Stubb has revealed he held phone conversations over the weekend with both former US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, describing the discussions as significant and increasingly optimistic for Ukraine.
The call with Trump took place on Saturday, followed by a conversation with Zelensky on Sunday morning. Stubb said the talks were part of Finland’s continuing diplomatic engagement on the war in Ukraine.
“Zelensky is patient, but Trump is starting to grow impatient… towards [Vladimir] Putin,” Stubb told Finnish news agency STT. He did not elaborate on whether Trump’s shift in tone signals a change in policy but noted that the atmosphere had changed in the last fortnight.
The Finnish president last spoke with both leaders a week earlier. He suggested that recent developments have given Kyiv a reason for cautious optimism.
“Things have been looking better for Ukraine over the past two weeks,” Stubb said.
The comment comes as Ukraine seeks broader international backing ahead of key diplomatic events this summer.
Stubb confirmed Finland supports Zelensky’s attendance at the upcoming NATO summit scheduled for 24–25 June in The Hague. Questions have emerged over whether the Ukrainian leader will be invited, amid reports that NATO members may attempt to avoid offending Trump, who has criticised alliance spending and military aid to Ukraine.
Trump, now campaigning for a return to the White House, has been sceptical of continued Western involvement in Ukraine’s defence, raising concerns among NATO governments. He has previously questioned the value of the alliance and suggested that US support would be conditional under his leadership.
Finland, which joined NATO in 2023, has advocated for stronger transatlantic unity and increased support for Ukraine. Stubb has repeatedly framed Finland’s security as closely tied to Ukraine’s sovereignty and stability.
Stubb’s mention of Trump’s changing stance on Putin follows recent comments from US and European officials suggesting that Moscow’s strategy may be under increased pressure. Ukraine has received new pledges of military assistance from multiple NATO countries in recent weeks, including long-range missiles and air defence systems.
There was no immediate response from Trump’s campaign or Zelensky’s office on the content of the calls.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
