Asger Risom
Alexander Stubb warns that the U.S. president is nearing a breaking point over Russia’s role in the Ukraine war.
As the war in Ukraine drags on, diplomatic tensions are sharpening—not just between Kyiv and Moscow, but also within the ranks of the West.
While President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains a steady voice for patience, it appears not all leaders are equally composed.
Finland’s President: Trump Is Reaching His Limit
Finnish President Alexander Stubb has emerged as one of the few European leaders with direct influence over Donald Trump. Following a recent conversation with the American president, Stubb revealed that Trump is “starting to grow impatient,” particularly with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
As reported by Digi24, the two leaders are expected to speak again by phone this week—a call that could determine the future tone of U.S. policy on Russia.
Stubb indicated that Congress may soon be presented with a “devastating” new sanctions package, crafted by Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal. These measures could target foreign companies that continue to import Russian energy, reinforcing Trump’s tariffs-based foreign policy.
Redrawing the Global Security Map
The Finnish leader stressed the importance of including Ukraine in any major diplomatic moves, warning against decisions made solely between Trump and Putin. He also cautioned European countries against pursuing their own lines of communication with Moscow, saying coordination must come through the E3—France, Germany, and the U.K.
Stubb also shared that he has actively tried to reframe Trump’s understanding of Russia, portraying it as a declining power: “It’s smaller than Italy economically,” he said.
With soaring interest rates and dwindling reserves, “Russia is no longer a great power,” he emphasized.
A Wake-Up Call for Europe
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski echoed that sentiment, saying Putin’s war has “woken the giant.” NATO, he noted, has already doubled its defense spending. New targets of 3.5% of GDP for military defense and 1.5% for cyber and civil security are expected at the next NATO summit.
Despite concerns over U.S. commitment, Finnish and Estonian officials downplayed fears of an American exit from NATO. Still, the upcoming summit may bring friction over Europe’s long-term posture toward Russia—especially if peace negotiations leave Ukraine’s NATO aspirations unresolved.