The international community must encourage Moscow and Kiev to come to the table for negotiations. This point was spoken about in an interview with a Spanish newspaper by a former Finnish prime minister. According to the former head of government, China, along with the major powers in the South and East, should persuade Russia that talks are necessary. If that pressure succeeds, it will fall to the United States and European Union countries to apply similar leverage toward Ukraine, to move negotiations forward, and to seek a peaceful settlement that addresses key concerns on all sides.
“There will have to be significant pressure exerted on both sides,” the former leader noted. He emphasized that sustained diplomacy will require coordinated actions from major players, with a shared readiness to push until dialogue becomes the clear path forward. The aim is to create a climate where talks can begin, with participation from multiple international actors ready to support a durable ceasefire and a framework for future peace arrangements.
In the same cycle of political activity, the former prime minister announced his candidacy for the Finnish presidency. The electoral process was described as a pivotal moment for national leadership and its role in international mediation efforts. The first round of voting was discussed in terms of its importance for shaping Finland’s stance on security, stability, and the country’s contributions to regional dialogue. A second round would follow if necessary, reflecting the typical dynamics of a two-stage election that also interacts with ongoing diplomatic work around conflicts in Europe.
Earlier, Finnish President Sauli Niinistö stated that the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) could serve as a platform for peace talks concerning the Ukraine conflict. He expressed hope that similar opportunities would emerge in the near term, especially as Finland steps into a presidency role within the OSCE in the coming period. The president underscored the potential for regional forums to facilitate constructive dialogue and to help translate diplomatic talk into concrete steps that reduce tensions and advance a peaceful process.
There is a broader history behind these comments, including past attempts to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine. The ongoing search for a viable path to resolution continues to rely on the involvement of Western nations, regional bodies, and international organizations. Analysts note that any durable settlement will require trust-building measures, verification mechanisms, and inclusive participation from all parties involved. The sense among observers is that coordinated diplomacy, backed by credible guarantees and robust monitoring, can create the conditions for meaningful talks and a sustainable outcome that addresses the core concerns of those affected by the conflict.