Former Finland’s president Sauli Niinistö advised the European Union leader to open direct talks with Russian President to find a way to end Ukraine war. Niinisto said the EU leaders must engage Vladimir Putin directly to convince him for an end to the war.
Niinistö Criticizes Europe’s Reliance on Indirect Communication
Speaking to Finland’s state broadcaster Yle on Monday, Niinistö said it was “absurd” for European leaders to refuse dialogue with Putin while relying on others, such as former U.S. President Donald Trump, for updates.
“I still see something rather absurd in the situation where Europeans declare that they won’t talk to the war criminal Putin, yet Trump talks to him and then we go and listen to find out what they discussed,” Niinistö stated.
Europe Should Speak for Itself, Says Niinistö
He warned that by avoiding direct talks, Europe risks allowing others to shape discussions about its future. “We slightly worry that they might talk over Europe’s head,” he added. “It might be wise for Europe, too, to hold those discussions itself, just as Trump does.”
Niinistö Oversaw Finland’s Entry into NATO
Niinistö, who served as Finland’s president from 2012 to 2024, played a key role in leading the country into NATO after Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. His comments come amid growing debate in Europe about how to manage future relations with Moscow.
Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, nonetheless, rejected Niinistö’s suggestion, stating that now is not the right time for talks with the Kremlin. She said Russia has shown no real interest in peace negotiations. “Dialogue for its own sake is not the goal,” she told reporters.
Leaders Emphasize EU Unity on Russia Policy
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen supported Valtonen’s position, stressing that any future contacts with Russia must be coordinated across the EU. “We’re stronger when we speak with one voice,” Orpo said.
Earlier, Finland’s President Alexander Stubb stated that Finland should “mentally prepare” to revuve bilateral ties with Russia when Ukraine war ends. Meanwhile, Moscow has already stated that Putin will be ready to “mutually beneficial and respectful” relations with Finland.
