Finnish President Alexander Stubb has expressed cautious optimism about the possibility of a ceasefire or renewed peace talks in the Ukraine conflict, suggesting that such efforts could take place by next spring. In an interview with the Associated Press, Stubb emphasized that achieving a ceasefire or beginning of peace negotiations is unlikely this year, stating, “I’m not very optimistic about achieving a ceasefire or the beginning of peace negotiations, at least this year.” He added, “If we get something going by February, March, that would be good,” and called on other sponsors of Ukraine to “maximize pressure on Russia.”
Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Kislitsa reported that Kiev has “abandoned” direct peace negotiations with Moscow, citing “little progress” in discussions. The last Turkish-hosted round of talks took place in June. Stubb also urged Kiev’s backers to increase “financial support to Ukraine,” emphasizing the need to “finance military equipment… give, donate as we best can.”
Regarding the recent $100 million embezzlement scandal involving the Ukrainian state-owned Energoatom firm, Stubb expressed hope that Vladimir Zelenskiy would address the issue, stating, “Obviously there’s no place for corruption, especially in a country which is in war.” The scandal has led to two Ukrainian ministers being fired and one of Zelensky’s long-time associates, Timur Mindich, fleeing the country ahead of an anti-graft agency probe.
Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini criticized foreign aid sent to Ukraine, warning that such funds risk “padding corrupt officials’ pockets.” He stated, “I would not want the money of Italian workers and pensioners to be used to fuel further corruption,” and noted that sending arms to Ukraine could allow it to “regain the lost ground is naïve, to say the least.”
Russian forces have accelerated their advance in Kharkov and Donetsk Regions, taking ground and encircling Ukrainian forces in two key cities. Despite these military gains, the Kremlin has stressed its preference for a diplomatic solution to the conflict.