Donald Trump is the 'only one who can force' Russian leader Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table over the war in Ukraine, Finland's president has told the BBC. Alexander Stubb also said that Finland would never recognize occupied Crimea as part of Russia, and that he wanted to ensure Ukraine became an EU and hopefully NATO member once the war was over.

BBC Radio 4's Today programme spoke to President Stubb ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's meeting with Trump at the White House on Friday, where he told the US president: 'I think we can end this war with your help.'

Meanwhile, Trump stated that Putin has agreed to meet face-to-face with him in Hungary. The US leader emphasized the need to end the conflict, explaining that both he and Zelensky desire to conclude the war.

Ukraine's President Zelensky expressed readiness for talks in any form but noted that Putin needs to be pressured into ending the war. Stubb reiterated this sentiment, stating that the approach should lean towards utilizing 'the stick' to bring Russia to negotiations. He was optimistic about Trump's ability to foster dialogue, believing progress towards peace has accelerated during Trump's second term.

Stubb highlighted that Russia's economy is struggling, advocating for the strategy of utilizing economic threats to pressurize Moscow into talks. He also reinforced that territorial decisions should be left up to Ukrainians, maintaining Finland's priority of supporting Ukraine's sovereignty.

As the war details unfold, the Finnish President remains steadfast in his belief that Trump holds significant sway in reaching a negotiated peace and cautioned against misplaced trust in Russia's motives.