Finnish President Alexander Stubb expressed skepticism regarding the notion that Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s oil and economic infrastructure might pressure the Russian dictator into making concessions. Stubb told “Bild am Sonntag” that he does not believe Russia will end the war simply because of economic decline. The Finnish president cited historical experience from the Soviet Union to support this view, stating, “One should never underestimate how much economic hardship the Russians can endure.” He added that neither inflation, the banking crisis, or interest rates would bring the war to an end, nor would the significant loss of Russian soldiers.
According to Stubb, what could potentially tip the scales would be if the Russian leadership felt its current regime was under threat. Given Russia’s patience and resilience, the country would ultimately have to determine that continuing the war offers no further advantage to the regime, whatever definition of victory it uses. He noted that the Kremlin is already “in an uncomfortable position.”
Stubb warmly welcomed the visit of CIA Director John Ratcliffe to Moscow, saying, “I think that’s good. Really. I believe there must be a dialogue.” He also acknowledged that Americans and Russians are in contact “in different formats,” adding, “I hope that the American military is also talking with the Russian military.”
Despite Russia’s hybrid attacks, Stubb stressed that Europe should seek contact with the Kremlin. He believes that someone in Europe needs to restart dialogue with Russia to understand what is happening there, emphasizing, “We must speak with each other at a political level.” Stubb voiced his “great concern about this current silence toward Russia, which is that illusions might develop there”-meaning that Moscow might accept the emergence of new threats that do not actually exist in reality.
