Finnish president criticises Putin’s temporary ceasefire plan

• The President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, does not believe in the permanence of the ceasefire proposed by Vladimir Putin. During a speech at the University of Vaasa, he expressed concerns that Russia may accuse Ukraine of violating the ceasefire.
• Russia proposed a temporary suspension of hostilities for three days from 8 to 10 May. This is related to the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and Victory Day in Russia.
• The USA proposed a permanent ceasefire, which Ukraine accepted, but Russia did not agree. President Stubb emphasised that this is a traditional Russian tactic, playing for time.

During his speech at the University of Vaasa, Stubb referred to the three-day ceasefire plan announced by Putin on Monday for 8–10 May—a period which includes anniversaries of the end of the Second World War and Russia's Victory Day celebrations.

Stubb reminded that the United States presented a proposal for a permanent ceasefire, which Ukraine accepted and Europe supported, but Russia rejected it. “This is a typical Russian stalling tactic,” he noted, adding that Moscow has repeatedly violated similar agreements.

The Finnish president advocated for a 90-day immediate and unconditional ceasefire. “This proposal I also presented to US President Donald Trump,” he said.

In his opinion, Trump's patience with Russia's actions is running thin.

Stubb reiterated that Finland will not recognise the annexation of Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia and emphasised that international pressure on the Kremlin must be consistently maintained.