Finland's Prez suggests setting April 20 as Ukraine ceasefire deadline, lures Trump to Kyiv's side over golf

Finland’s President Alexander Stubb suggested that there should be a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war by April 20, although his condition is that the truce should have “no conditions”. According to Finnish news outlet Yle, Stubb pushed for strong sanctions on Russia, forcing the country into compliance.

“Finland’s proposal is April 20. That would be a good time for a complete ceasefire without any conditions. Why April 20? Because we need a deadline. Because it’s Easter. And because (US) President (Donald) Trump will have been in office for three months,” the Finnish president averred. He mentioned that Republican US Senator Lindsey Graham is preparing for a sanction package supported by 50 senators.

While speaking on the matter, the Finnish president also mentioned Trump’s frustration with Russia’s delays in ceasefire implementation. “He (Trump) is very impatient with Russia’s actions, with this collusion and delay in the ceasefire,” Stubb said. “I have the impression that patience is running out on the part of the United States as well — and that, in my opinion, is a good thing.”

Finland tries to lure Trump to Ukraine’s side

The remarks from the Finnish president came after he spoke to Trump about the war along with other policy matter, Stubb visited Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida on March 29. According to the Finnish press release, Stubb’s visit was “unofficial” and involved breakfast, lunch, and a round of golf.

“During the visit, the Presidents discussed among other things the relations between Finland and the United States, and current foreign and security policy issues, including Ukraine,” the press release said. According to Politico, both Trump and US Senator Lindsey Graham praised Stubb’s golf skills.

Finland will watch the ceasefire talks closely since the newly added NATO member is one of Kyiv’s staunchest allies and shares a 1,340-kilometer border with Russia. Earlier this month, Stubb held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, pitching himself as the European envoy for Ukraine who would get a seat at the negotiating table.

In a TruthSocial post, Trump wrote that both leaders are looking forward to “strengthening the partnership” between Finnland and the US.  “And that includes the purchase and development of a large number of badly needed Icebreakers for the US, delivering Peace and International Security for our Countries, and the World,” the American leader wrote.

In November last year, former US President Joe Biden, the Canadian government and Finland signed a memorandum of understanding to build Arctic and polar icebreakers. These icebreakers are important to navigate the Arctic area, which is increasingly strategic for the US, Russia and China.

It is important to note that Russia currently operates the world’s largest fleet of icebreakers, but Finland is a leader in design and construction.