Finnish President Alexander Stubb Meets Donald Trump to Discuss Ukraine and U.S.-Finland Relations

March 30, 2025 - By Abbey Fenbert

Finnish President Alexander Stubb met with former U.S. President Donald Trump at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida on March 29, 2025. The meeting, characterized as “unofficial” by the Finnish government, involved discussions regarding the war in Ukraine, international relations, and policy matters relevant to both Finland and the United States.

Meeting Details

The visit included breakfast and lunch at Mar-a-Lago, followed by a round of golf between the two leaders. According to a press release from the Finnish government, various topics were covered during their discussions, particularly focusing on the relations between Finland and the United States and pressing foreign and security policy issues, notably the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. However, the press release did not provide specifics about the content of their discussions.

In a recent interview with France 24, President Stubb had praised Trump’s attempts to broker a ceasefire in Ukraine, but he also expressed caution regarding Russia's reliability. “But never underestimate the capacity of Russians to break a ceasefire. They'll continue to do it,” Stubb noted.

U.S. Acquisition of Finnish Icebreakers

Following their meeting, Trump announced plans for the United States to purchase Finnish icebreaker vessels. In a post on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump stated, "President Stubb and I look forward to strengthening the partnership between the United States and Finland. That includes the purchase and development of a large number of badly needed icebreakers for the U.S." The acquisition of these vessels is seen as a critical step in enhancing U.S. capabilities in the Arctic.

Context of U.S.-Russia Relations

The announcement regarding icebreakers comes at a time when U.S. interests in the Arctic region are heightened. Recently, U.S. Vice President JD Vance visited Greenland, a territory that has been the subject of controversial remarks by Trump regarding potential U.S. acquisition. Trump reiterated these ambitions during an NBC News interview, asserting his confidence in acquiring Greenland. "We'll get Greenland. Yeah, 100%," he stated, mentioning that he believed it could be done without military force but did not rule out any options.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged Trump’s plans for Greenland, claiming the idea has “historical roots.” The Kremlin has stated it is monitoring developments related to U.S. interests in the Arctic, particularly given Russia's involvement and strategic positions in the region.

International Reactions

As peace talks continue regarding the conflict in Ukraine, the discussions between Stubb and Trump are emblematic of the complex geopolitical landscape. Ukrainian officials have expressed their concerns regarding Russia's continued aggression, with Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa emphasizing that Russia's actions qualify as genocide.

In conclusion, Stubb’s informal meeting with Trump not only highlighted key issues relating to Ukraine but also reflected on evolving U.S.-Finland relations. The dialogue surrounding military partnerships, particularly in Arctic engagements, underscores the continued focus on security and international alliances in the face of ongoing tensions with Russia.