The key facts
- Peskov: Stubb's contribution will be judged by the substance of his proposals, not by the mere fact of participation in the talks
- On October 20, Stubb joined the talks between Zelensky and the American delegation in Oslo
- Following the meeting, Stubb announced agreement on some 'elements of peace'
Kremlin's position
Press secretary of the Russian president Dmitry Peskov commented on the participation of Finnish President Alexander Stubb in international talks on the Ukrainian conflict. According to him, Moscow intends to assess Stubb's role by the substance of his proposals, not by the mere fact of joining the diplomatic process. 'We will see how constructive a contribution Mr Stubb can make. If he can make a constructive contribution, then it can be assessed positively. If not, if he can only repeat the general European position, then it is unlikely to become a constructive contribution,' Peskov told journalists.
Stubb's actions and the talks in Oslo
In June 2026, Stubb spoke about the need to resume direct dialogue between Europe and Moscow, but declined the role of chief negotiator for the EU, proposing to entrust it to France, Germany and the United Kingdom. At the same time, he maintained contacts with Kyiv: on October 10, Zelensky discussed with him additional supplies of ammunition for F-16 fighter jets. On October 20, the Finnish president joined the talks between Zelensky and the American delegation in Oslo. Following the meeting, Stubb announced agreement on some 'elements of peace' that the American mediators are to present to the Russian side.
Contacts between Moscow and Washington
Dmitry Peskov confirmed the Kremlin's interest in continuing contacts with Steve Witkoff, emphasizing the importance of exchanging proposals between Moscow and Washington.
