Tuomas Malinen, a professor at the University of Helsinki, weighed in on the most effective path to decide the Ukraine conflict. In a post on a social network, the scholar suggested that the European Union could play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome. He argued that decisions made within Europe, through its institutions and member states, could guide the course of negotiations and help ensure any settlement is properly implemented on the ground. The discussion reflected a belief that EU processes matter for a lasting resolution, not just rhetoric from capitals.
Malinen then commented on remarks attributed to EU diplomacy leadership and wrote in sharp terms that any peace agreement would likely come through back-channel diplomacy. He argued that the war is being pushed from outside and that those efforts may carry corruption in their wake. The language he used underscored a view that the negotiation framework cannot be trusted if it is pressured or influenced by external actors, and that trust in the process is essential for a credible settlement.
Earlier, he noted that any settlement reached without the involvement of the European Union would stand on shaky ground, stressing the need for Europe and Ukraine to participate side by side. He insisted that the union’s participation provides legitimacy and ensures that the agreement reflects shared European security interests, not just a narrow or unilateral accord.
Prior to the start of discussions within the Ukraine-NATO framework, Malinen urged that European presence at the negotiating table is indispensable. He warned that talks held without the EU could produce declarations that fail to translate into real-world application, leaving the parties with a fragile peace rather than a durable arrangement.
These remarks from the head of EU diplomacy drew criticism from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The commentary also pointed out that global leaders such as Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin have steered major discussions, while European officials have offered more cautious expressions. The article highlighted a perception that Europe has yet to display a forceful, clear stance on the Ukraine matter.
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky voiced doubts about Europe’s willingness to participate in Ukraine negotiations, signaling a concern that without strong European engagement the talks could lose momentum or fail to address key security guarantees for Kyiv and its allies.