The Finnish Connection: Why Zelensky’s Hour-Long Call with Stubb Matters

Beyond the high-profile appeals to the United States, President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent hour-long phone call with Finnish President Alex Stubb is a critically important, if quieter, piece of his diplomatic strategy. This deep coordination with a key regional partner reveals a multi-layered approach to building a new peace coalition.
Finland, as a new NATO member that shares a long and complex history with Russia, provides a unique and powerful voice of support. When Finland aligns with Ukraine’s position, it signals to the rest of Europe and to Washington that this is not just a plea from a nation at war, but a strategic imperative recognized by a highly credible neighbor of the aggressor.
The length of the call—over an hour—suggests a detailed and substantive discussion, far beyond a simple expression of solidarity. Zelensky’s statement that they were “coordinating their positions” implies they were aligning on the specific details of the diplomatic push, including how to best approach the US and other G7 nations.
This partnership serves to legitimize and amplify Zelensky’s message. It helps frame his praise for Trump’s Gaza deal and his call for US leadership as a shared European perspective, making it harder to dismiss. It is a strategic move to build a groundswell of support from the bottom up.
The Finnish connection is a vital component of Zelensky’s plan. While the ultimate goal may be to secure American action, the path to Washington often runs through the unified capitals of Europe.