Former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö has reiterated the importance of Europe holding direct talks with Russia as efforts continue to halt the war in Ukraine.
"We saw a 28-point plan containing numerous provisions affecting Europe, things in which we had no say whatsoever," Niinistö told Danish public broadcaster DR, commenting on the American draft peace proposal unveiled last week.
European leaders have long insisted that no decisions about Ukraine or the continent's security can be made without them at the negotiating table. But that, Niinistö noted, requires direct channels of communication.
"I am convinced that Russia will try to insert into any peace deal with Ukraine elements that touch on Europe's security architecture. They have been trying to do that for years. That is why Europeans must be involved. This is about Europe," Niinistö said.
The American draft envisaged, among other things, a comprehensive non-aggression pact between Russia, Ukraine and Europe. It also includes the expectation that Russia would refrain from attacking its neighbours and that Nato would not seek further expansion.
