European Communication with Putin: A Call from Finlands Former President Niinistö

Finland’s ex-president Sauli Niinistö has urged the European Union to establish direct lines of communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an effort to advocate for an end to the conflict in Ukraine.

Niinistö expressed his views during an interview with the Finnish national broadcaster Yle on Monday, noting the irony in the situation where European leaders refuse to engage with what they term a «war criminal» while former President Trump maintains dialogue with him, only for Europeans to learn about those discussions indirectly.

He added, «We are a bit concerned that important discussions might happen without Europe being involved. It could be beneficial for Europe to engage in these talks directly, just like Trump does.»

Niinistö held the presidency of Finland from 2012 to 2024 and facilitated the nation’s entry into NATO following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

In response to Niinistö’s suggestion, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen stated that it’s premature for the EU to initiate discussions with Putin, citing the ongoing war and the Kremlin’s apparent disinterest in authentic peace talks. She emphasized that dialogue should not be pursued for its own sake.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen supported her views, asserting that any future interactions with Russia should be coordinated at the EU level.

«We are more effective when we present a united front,» Orpo remarked.

Earlier this year, Finnish President Alexander Stubb suggested that Helsinki should “mentally prepare” to reestablish ties with Russia following the conclusion of the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin indicated that Putin would be open to “mutually beneficial and respectful” relationships with Finland if the latter desired the same.