Finland's president dismisses Putin's 3‑day truce proposal
President of Finland Alexander Stubb skeptically assessed the Russian proposal for a temporary ceasefire. According to him, this is a typical Kremlin tactic, and Moscow may use the ceasefire to accuse Ukraine. Stubb advocated for a 90-day unconditional cessation of hostilities.
What do you need to know?
- Alexander Stubb, the President of Finland, does not believe in the permanence of the ceasefire proposed by Vladimir Putin. During a speech at the University of Vaasa, he expressed concerns that Russia may accuse Ukraine of violating the ceasefire.
- Russia proposed a temporary suspension of hostilities for 72 hours from May 8 to 10. This proposal is related to the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and Victory Day in Russia.
- The United States proposed a permanent ceasefire, which Ukraine accepted, but Russia did not agree. President Stubb emphasized that this is a traditional Russian tactic, playing for time.
Is Putin's truce just a stalling tactic?
During his speech at the University of Vaasa, Stubb referred to the 72-hour ceasefire plan announced by Putin for May 8–10, a period that includes anniversaries of the end of World War II and Russia's Victory Day celebrations.
What are the alternatives to the temporary truce?
Stubb reminded the audience that the United States presented a proposal for a permanent ceasefire, which Ukraine accepted and Europe supported, but Russia rejected. "This is a typical Russian stalling tactic," he noted, adding that Moscow has repeatedly violated similar agreements.
The Finnish president advocated for a 90-day immediate and unconditional ceasefire. "This proposal I also presented to U.S. President Donald Trump," he said.
In his opinion, Trump's patience with Russia's actions is running thin.
Stubb reiterated that Finland will not recognize the annexation of Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia and emphasized that international pressure on the Kremlin must be consistently maintained.
