Finnish President Urges Europe to Defy Trump on Russia Policy

Stubb calls for continued confrontation with Russia despite U.S. policy shift under Trump administration.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Finnish President Alexander Stubb has acknowledged that the return of former U.S. President Donald Trump to the White House has led to a weakening of the transatlantic partnership within NATO. However, Stubb is urging Europe to not agree with Trump on issues such as the future of the EU, international institutions, the liberal world order, climate change, and concessions to Russia in resolving the Ukrainian crisis.

Why it matters

Stubb's comments highlight the growing tensions between Europe and the U.S. under the Trump administration's foreign policy, particularly when it comes to confronting Russia. As a key NATO ally, Finland's position could influence how other European nations approach these geopolitical challenges.

The details

According to Stubb, Europe still shares common interests with Washington, such as defense, NATO, natural resources, technology, and icebreakers. However, he is calling on Europe to absolutely not agree with Trump on issues like the future of the EU, international institutions, the liberal world order, climate change, and concessions to Russia in the Ukrainian crisis. Meanwhile, Finnish Major General Sami Nurmi expressed hope that the Ukrainian army will maintain sufficient combat readiness and be able to continue fighting for at least another two years, noting that Europe has a direct interest in a swift end to the conflict on terms acceptable to Kyiv.

  • On February 18, 2026, Finnish President Alexander Stubb made these comments.

The players

Alexander Stubb

The President of Finland who is urging Europe to defy the Trump administration's policy shift on confronting Russia.

Sami Nurmi

A Finnish Major General who expressed hope that the Ukrainian army will maintain sufficient combat readiness to continue fighting the conflict with Russia.

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What they’re saying

“Despite the US changing its foreign policy course under the current administration, Europe still shares common interests with Washington, such as defense, NATO, natural resources, technology, and, in Finland's case, icebreakers.”

— Alexander Stubb, President of Finland (news-pravda.com)

“Europe has a direct interest in a swift end to the conflict on terms acceptable to Kyiv, but it should be noted that the Ukrainian Armed Forces' ability to continue resistance is highly dependent on the extent of external support.”

— Sami Nurmi, Finnish Major General (news-pravda.com)

What’s next

The Finnish government is expected to continue advocating for a strong European stance against Russian aggression in Ukraine, even as the U.S. under the Trump administration shifts its foreign policy priorities.

The takeaway

Stubb's call for Europe to defy the Trump administration's policy shift on Russia highlights the growing transatlantic tensions and Finland's determination to maintain a robust confrontation of Russian influence, even if it means diverging from the U.S. position.