As the first Nordic head of state, Stubb visited the American President Trump on his home turf in Florida.
The two played a round of golf together – and won, according to Trump, a competition at the President's own golf club – and discussed, among other things, the war in Ukraine.
I emphasized Finland's and Europe's strong support for Ukraine and that there is only one initiator of the war. I pointed out that one cannot trust Putin, says Stubb at a press conference the day after the 18 holes of golf.
He also told Trump, according to Hufvudstadsbladet, that Russia only understands strength.
This means that we must maximize the pressure. There are two options: sanctions and the use of frozen assets.
Stubb also presented a proposal for a suitable date for a ceasefire, April 20 – which is also a date that the USA has previously been reported to be aiming for.
Then it will have been three months since Trump took office and it is Easter, says Stubb.
Zelenskyj writes on X on Sunday evening that he spoke with Stubb during the day and thanks him for Finland's support.
Stubb is said to have shared details from his conversation with Trump and Zelenskyj writes that he wants to see closer cooperation with the USA to "find ways to force Russia to peace and work for security guarantees that must be our next step after a ceasefire".
