Putin, Finland Signal Postwar Russia Relations Reset

Finnish President Alexander Stubb stated that while relations between Finland and Russia are currently frozen due to the Ukraine conflict and Finland's NATO membership, limited ties could be restored once a just and lasting peace in Ukraine is achieved. Stubb emphasized the inevitability of future relations given Finland's geographical and historical ties with Russia, despite current difficulties. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin described a recent summit with U.S. President Donald Trump as frank and substantive, expressing hope that their talks could lead to a full restoration of Russia-U.S. relations. Putin noted that Trump's presidency brought optimism for progress in bilateral ties and a potential Ukraine peace deal. Both leaders view these interactions as initial steps toward reviving diplomatic relations amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. The potential normalization of relations with Russia is contingent on resolving the Ukraine conflict and appears to be a topic of dialogue among key international leaders.