Finnish President Alexander Stubb has declared that Russian President Vladimir Putin has “strategically lost” the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, asserting that the country will ultimately prevail.
Responding to a question from a Ukrainian journalist regarding Russia’s intentions, Stubb expressed confidence in Ukraine’s victory, stating, “I believe you will win this war – and I say this because Putin has strategically lost.” He noted that Putin aimed to absorb Ukraine into Russia, yet the nation has instead embraced a European identity.
Stubb highlighted that while Putin sought to prevent NATO’s expansion, Finland and Sweden have now joined the alliance. He also pointed out that Russia’s defense spending, which the dictator intended to keep low, is now projected to rise to five percent of its GDP.
In terms of military outcomes, Stubb remarked that Russia has suffered significant losses. Initially, the Russian military occupied 12 percent of Ukrainian territory, but this figure has dwindled to eight percent over the past two years, and as of December, it stands at just one percent. He added that approximately 34,000 Russian soldiers have been killed, a number that Russia has struggled to replace.
Stubb emphasized the importance of Ukraine continuing its current strategies to endure and ultimately win the war.
In related developments, peace talks involving Ukraine, the United States, and Russia have taken place in Abu Dhabi in late January and early February 2026. According to Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, discussions focused on implementing a ceasefire and monitoring the cessation of hostilities.
Reuters has reported that Ukraine and the U.S. are considering a potential peace agreement with Russia as early as March 2026, although timelines may shift due to unresolved territorial issues. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated that the U.S. is advocating for an end to the conflict by early summer, suggesting that diplomatic pressure will be applied to achieve this timeline.
Zelensky also stated that Ukraine is open to negotiations at any location if they can yield tangible results.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb asserts that Putin has lost the war in Ukraine, emphasizing Ukraine's European alignment and military successes. Meanwhile, ongoing peace talks suggest a potential resolution could emerge by March 2026.