In a recent interview, Finnish President Alexander Stubb addressed his relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump. Stubb, often labeled as Europe’s “Trump whisperer,” clarified that his interactions with Trump are not as understated as the term suggests. “If I get one idea out of 10, I’m very happy, but quite rarely is it a whispering — it’s more shouting that happens, and that’s absolutely fine,” he stated.
Insights from President Stubb
Stubb discussed his diplomatic engagements during an official visit to Canada this week. He acknowledged that disagreements are part of diplomatic discussions. “It’s important in diplomacy to engage, even if sometimes it feels quite uncomfortable,” he noted.
Military Relations and Ukraine
Stubb’s relationship with Trump is notably significant as they frequently communicate about pressing global issues, particularly the ongoing war in Ukraine. “We’ve been friends for a long time,” Trump remarked during Stubb’s visit to the White House in October 2025.
- Finland shares a 1,300-kilometre border with Russia, the longest among NATO and EU members.
- The country joined NATO in 2023 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
- Stubb has become an influential voice for Ukraine, believing it is now in a stronger position than since the start of the conflict.
He pointed to the effectiveness of Ukrainian drone warfare as a key factor in the ongoing conflict. Reports suggest that Russian soldiers are experiencing casualties at a rate significantly higher than Ukraine’s. Some estimates claim the ratio to be five-to-one in favor of Ukraine, although recent assessments from the Center for Strategic and International Studies indicate a more conservative ratio of roughly 1:2.5.
Countering Drone Threats
As the conflict progresses into its fourth year, the Ukrainian forces are adapting rapidly. Stubb highlighted Ukraine’s deployment of 228 experts to combat Iranian-made Shahed drones. The challenge posed by these drones is significant, with Russia utilizing various types to target Ukrainian cities.
“They’re showing that in the Gulf region [they’re] defending the Gulf states from Iran,” Stubb said, emphasizing the need for the U.S. to recognize this situation.
The Future of NATO and Ukraine
While the U.S. acknowledges Ukraine’s military capabilities, Trump has expressed strong opposition to Ukraine’s potential NATO membership. This was evident in 2025 when he pressured Ukraine to abandon its ambitions for NATO membership as a condition for peace talks with Russia.
Despite these challenges, Stubb remains resolute. He believes the threat from Russia to NATO is persistent, stating, “In my mind, it’s Ukraine,” highlighting the critical role Ukraine plays in the security of the NATO alliance.
