Stubb explained why Witkoff and Kushner are not coming to Kyiv
The President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, has stated that US President Donald Trump’s representatives, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, will not be travelling to Kyiv, as he believes the main issue in the negotiations lies with Russia’s position.
According to Censor.NET, he made these remarks at a press conference in Kyiv following the summit between Ukraine and the Nordic-Baltic Eight.
The ball is in Russia’s court
Stubb noted that his approach involves close cooperation with Donald Trump’s administration.
According to the Finnish President, much of the US’s attention is currently focused on Iran and finding a solution to that issue. At the same time, Witkoff and Kushner are in constant contact with Ukraine and the Ukrainian authorities.
"And my interpretation of the situation is that the ball is not in Ukraine’s court. The ball is largely in Russia’s court," emphasised Stubb.
In his view, it is Russia that must demonstrate a willingness to establish peace, but this has not yet happened.
Stubb also stated that the Ukrainian side is seeking pragmatic solutions during the negotiations. At the same time, he said, Russia is not demonstrating corresponding results.
The US is waiting for an opportunity to achieve a result
The President of Finland noted that US representatives will not travel to either Moscow or Kyiv unless they see an opportunity to achieve a result.
"And the Americans have no intention of travelling to Moscow or Kyiv unless they feel there is a chance of achieving something," Stubbs emphasised.
He also promised to convey his view of the situation to Washington following his visit to Kyiv.
At the same time, Stubb noted that he did not wish to exaggerate Finland’s role. In his words, smaller states can provide information and assist in finding a solution.
"The problem is not in Ukraine; the problem is in Russia," the Finnish president concluded.
A visit by Witkoff and Kushner to Ukraine is under discussion, but no final decision has yet been made.
Incidentally, the head of the President’s Office, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that Ukraine would attempt to revive negotiations with Russia in the near future.
