The president of Finland warns: Trump's running out of patience with Putin

Finland's President Alexander Stubbb has declared that former US President Donald Trump is showing signs of apathy to Russian President Vladimir Putin, while warning that Ukraine's fate should not be decided without Kiev's involvement.

The statement comes after a long conversation between Stubb and Trump, ahead of a planned call between the latter and Putin on Monday.

“Zelenskyy is patient. Trump is becoming impatient but in the right direction, towards Russia,” Said Stubbb at the Lennart Mary Security Conference in Tallinn.

<x0) Destructive sanctions” on the horizon

According to Stubb, depending on the outcome of the conversation between Trump and Putin, US senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal can present a new package of economic sanctions in Congress, aimed at seriously hitting Russia's finances. Graham, a close ally of Trump, has described this package as <x0-destructive”, targeting even foreign companies that import energy from Russia.

Part of the plan is the setting of 500% tariffs to countries that trade energy with Russia, although Trump has previously rejected such extreme access to trade policies.

“Russia is no longer a major force”

Stubbb added that he worked personally to influence Trump, stressing that Russia is no longer a superpower: Its “Eonomia is smaller than that of Italy and slightly larger than that of Spain. The reserves are running dry, interest above 20% and progress on the front of the war is minimal. ”

He stressed that any EU contact with Moscow should be co-ordinated through E3 leaders -- Britain, France and Germany.

America seeks more European commitment in defence

US Ambassador to NATO Matthew also spoke at the conference Whitaker, who warned that the US would lower the military presence in Europe by repeating Trump's message: That's enough. This will happen now. No more patience for procrastination. ”

Meanwhile, Poland's Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, said Putin “has awakened a sleeping giant” and welcomed increased defence spending in NATO.

At the next NATO summit, we will target 3.5% of GDP for military protection and 1.5% for civil and cyber defence,” He added, stressing that Europe is able to leave Russia in the shadows, especially if funds are spent better and with clear intentions.

NATO Prepares for Hard Decisions

Although the US has not formally mentioned any NATO withdrawal, European diplomats warn of strategic clashes at the Alliance's upcoming summit. Ukraine's role and the long-term threat from Russia are expected to be key themes, with many leaders insisting that peace should not rule out Ukraine's integration into NATO. /Periscope/