The President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, believes that it is time for European governments to engage in direct contact with Moscow, dpa reports.
„It’s time to start talking to Russia. When this will happen, I don’t know,” Stubb said in an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, published on Monday.
Stubb stated that in his opinion, the US policy towards Russia and Ukraine is no longer in line with Europe's interests, which means that Europe must get directly involved.
Who should get in touch with Moscow?
"I have discussed with European leaders who should make contact," he emphasized, adding that no decision has been made in this regard.
The most important aspect is coordination among European countries, especially between France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom, alongside the Nordic and Baltic countries bordering Russia.
"We will see if it will be a special envoy or a group of leaders," Stubb said.
Three scenarios for Ukraine
He outlined three possible scenarios for Ukraine - continuation of the war, a ceasefire with a subsequent peace agreement, or the collapse of one of the parties, most likely Russia.
"I believe that the possibility of a peace agreement is not on the table, at least not for this year," the Finnish president stated.