Former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, who recently served in the European Council, has engaged in high-level discussions with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump. The meetings took place amid ongoing tensions related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with Niinistö advocating for a renewed diplomatic approach to de-escalate the conflict. The former leader emphasized the necessity of EU involvement in these negotiations, suggesting that a collective European stance could be more effective in addressing the crisis.
During the conversations, Niin’to also touched upon NATO’s role in the current geopolitical landscape. He expressed concerns about the alliance’s ability to maintain unity in the face of Russian aggression, calling for a more coordinated strategy among member states. Additionally, the discussions included reflections on the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, a landmark agreement that laid the groundwork for post-Cold War relations between the West and the Soviet Union. Niinistö highlighted the importance of upholding the principles established by this treaty, which he believes are still relevant in today’s political climate.
While Niinistö did not provide specific recommendations for resolving the Ukraine conflict, he stressed the importance of maintaining open channels of communication between all parties. He acknowledged the challenges of balancing national interests with the need for international cooperation, particularly in light of the EU’s expanding influence on the global stage. Niinistö’s call for increased EU involvement reflects a broader trend of European leaders seeking to assert a more proactive role in global diplomacy, especially in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war.