Finnish President Alexander Stubb , who is not very optimistic about peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, came up with an unexpected idea during an event at the London think tank Chatham House.
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Stubb said that Europe could offer the US military participation in unblocking the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for American help to Ukraine to conclude an acceptable peace with Russia, Politico reports.
Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world's oil and LNG supplies pass, has caused a sharp increase in energy prices. Ukraine is already feeling this, where fuel prices are rising. Politico reminds us that US President Donald Trump loves deals, and Stubb, one of his closest confidants in Europe, believes that an agreement can be reached that will both alleviate the oil crisis and help Ukraine.
“I see real potential in offering the Head of State what he wants: European military support to ensure security in Hormuz,” said Alexander Stubb, adding: “This is a really good idea. I will look into this issue in more detail and discuss the options with my team.”
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At the same time, the Finnish president admitted that his country does not have the resources to participate in the operation, and it is still unclear what role European forces could play.
Stubb warned that peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow are approaching a critical juncture that could force Ukraine to agree to an unprofitable deal involving the surrender of territory. He also noted that the US and Israel's war with Iran is negatively affecting Ukraine: high oil prices are fueling the Russian economy, and air defense systems that Kyiv needs are being diverted to the Middle East.
“The Russian economy was in a really bad state a few weeks ago, and now it is recovering,” he said.
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Stubb admitted that convincing Trump would be extremely difficult, but he would consider it a success if he could convey at least “one idea out of ten regarding Ukraine.”
It was previously reported that President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has several ideas that could help end Russia's protracted war against Ukraine, and for this it is necessary to hold a meeting with the American side.