Finnish President Alexander Stubb on Saturday weighed in on the clash between the Ukrainian president and US leaders at the White House, highlighting the need for intensified pressure on Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky engaged in heated exchanges with US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance during a meeting in the Oval Office on Friday.
"It was a diplomatic failure with only one winner, who wasn't even present: Vladimir Putin," Stubb told Yle on Saturday.
The Finnish president said he was astonished and saddened by the events, the likes of which have never been captured on camera in the realm of international diplomacy.
Stubb said it was important for Russia to come under increasing pressure.
A European plan
The United States is expected to provide support for security arrangements following a ceasefire in Ukraine, according to Stubb, who emphasised that a reliable and well-structured process is essential for any ceasefire to hold. He also stressed that Europe must take responsibility for leading this process.
"Now, deals are being made left and right, above, below and beside Ukraine. Yesterday, there was supposed to be a mineral deal, but it didn't materialise," Stubb said.
Should a ceasefire be reached after Easter, talks will start on peace negotiations. Stubb stressed that any ceasefire must have Ukraine's approval.
According to Stubb, the world is currently in a state of transition that will take a few years to settle.
At the White House, Trump accused Zelensky of "gambling with World War Three".
Commenting on the rhetoric, Stubb emphasised the importance of moderating language and being mindful of how words are interpreted.
Stubb said he sleeps peacefully at night.
"We're fine," he said, emphasing that Finland has a strong national defence as well as allies.
"I don't believe Russia would test Article 5 [Nato's mutual defence clause] in Finland's case."