Ukraine is in its strongest position since Russia’s invasion began in 2022. That’s according to Finland’s president Alexander Stubb, who claims that the image of an increasingly powerful Russia is misleading. According to him, it is, in fact, Ukraine that currently holds the military advantage on the battlefields. At the same time, he admits that Russia will not end the war because of either economic sanctions or large losses on the battlefield.
In an interview with Politico, Stubb says that Ukraine currently has both military and political advantages while Russia is under heavy pressure on the battlefield.
– Militarily, Ukraine is in a better position than at any other time during the war.
According to Stubb, Ukrainian forces have inflicted significant losses on Russia in recent months. He claims that around 35,000 Russian soldiers are killed or wounded each month, while Ukraine has managed to destroy a significant part of Russia’s oil infrastructure through attacks deep inside Russian territory.
– The ratio of fallen soldiers is now one to eight – one Ukrainian soldier for every eight Russians, Stubb claims.
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The Finnish president also rejects claims that Russian president Vladimir Putin has been strengthened by the war. On the contrary, he argues that the Kremlin has failed to achieve its most important strategic goals.
– We need to stop pushing the narrative that Russia has the upper hand. It does not. This will be a strategic failure for Russia.
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He points out, for example, that Russia tried to stop NATO’s expansion, but instead the invasion led both Finland and Sweden to join the military alliance.
At the same time, he is convinced that Ukraine will eventually become a member of both the EU and NATO.
– Ukraine will become European. It will become a member of the EU, and eventually also of NATO.
Wants to see an immediate ceasefire
Despite his positive assessment of Ukraine’s military position, Stubb believes the next step must be to achieve a ceasefire.
He calls for an unconditional 60-day ceasefire as a basis for continued peace talks.
– The most important thing right now is a ceasefire. We need a 60-day long ceasefire.
According to Stubb, Ukraine today has a far stronger negotiating position than earlier in the war, increasing the chances for an agreement. He also argues that Russian public opinion could eventually be decisive.
– Russia will not end the war because of economic problems or the heavy losses. The war will only end when the Russian people turn against it.
Finland’s President Alexander Stubb on Russia-Ukraine War:
Russia is not going to end this war because of economic complexities.
It’s not going to end this war because of the death of Russian soldiers.
It is going to end this war if the population turns against it. pic.twitter.com/Z08ENHTlfy
— Clash Report (@clashreport) June 26, 2026
EU and USA must act together
Stubb also emphasizes that European support for Ukraine must continue, but stresses that the USA still plays a crucial role.
He welcomes the fact that Donald Trump has again turned focus to the Ukraine issue and believes that a peace process should be led jointly by Europe and the USA.
– We need to do this together – Americans and Europeans.
He also believes that the West should change its view of Ukraine’s role in EU security.
– Sometimes, Europe and the USA need Ukraine more than Ukraine needs us. They are the ones today who can wage modern warfare very effectively.
Strong confidence in NATO
As president of Finland, which shares a 1,340-kilometer border with Russia, Stubb says he has strong confidence in NATO’s defense capabilities.
He is convinced that the USA would stand by Finland in the event of a Russian attack.
– Yes, definitely, he answers when asked if he trusts the US security guarantees.
He also describes the current NATO alliance as stronger than ever.
– NATO’s deterrence is stronger than at any other time in the alliance’s history.
READ ALSO: Researcher: Swedish media and politicians mislead with propaganda about the war in Ukraine
Watch the entire interview here: