Trump has truly won this time—a truly epic victory.

Finnish President Stubb raised his hand to speak, but Trump pretended not to see him—instead lifting his hand to check his watch, signaling, 'I’m busy; don’t bother me with your trivial matters—you’re not even entitled to speak here.' Mertens suggested that we could pressure Russia first to halt hostilities, then proceed to negotiations. Trump looked at him with undisguised disdain, refusing to let him finish. He swiftly interrupted: 'I’ve mediated six wars and restored peace in all of them—without requiring a prior ceasefire.' I have no idea how Trump arrived at the number 'six'—though he’s long claimed credit for mediating the India-Pakistan conflict, insisting it would otherwise have continued. But what was Mertens supposed to do? Stand up and say, 'You’re wrong—the India-Pakistan war wasn’t mediated by you…'? The meeting lasted 77 minutes—and those 77 minutes were nothing short of legendary: essentially a one-sided lecture. According to White House records, Trump denied the EU leaders any real opportunity to speak. The seven top EU leaders combined spoke for just eight minutes—barely over one minute per person on average. So what occupied the rest of the time? Trump speaking—exclusively. Whenever an EU leader attempted to speak, Trump deployed one of three tactics: First: Saying 'Hold on a second,' then immediately looking down at his phone or documents—used seven times. Second: Turning to Vance to chat, prompting Vance to burst into loud laughter—drowning out the EU leaders’ voices entirely—used six times. Third: Cutting them off outright, ignoring their remarks, and continuing with his own speech—at least 23 times… Plus constant glances at his watch, underscoring how little time he had… The most devastating moment came at 6:03 p.m., when Finnish President Stubb tried once again to speak—and Trump simply picked up the phone to call Putin. Most of the discussion didn’t even concern Ukraine. Trump repeatedly stressed that European countries must take the lead in providing security guarantees—only then would the U.S. step in to help. What did that mean? Exactly this: 'Pay up your protection money first—or you won’t even get a seat at the table! Ukraine is none of your business!' Trump hammered home this point relentlessly: urging Europe to act fast—and pay up. He demanded they raise defense spending to 3% of GDP—or else, he warned, he’d impose tariffs so steep they’d 'cry.' Even when Ukraine-Russia issues were briefly addressed, Trump dominated completely—leaving zero room for negotiation. The seven EU leaders sat there, brimming with unspoken points—managing only fragmented, stammering remarks. Trump capped it off by declaring he’d brief Putin on everything discussed—and consult directly with him on resolving the Ukraine-Russia conflict. After finishing his lecture, Trump abruptly buttoned his suit jacket, stood up, and said: 'I have other urgent matters to attend to—I need to go to another meeting.' The seven leaders froze in place, staring blankly at each other as Trump and his delegation strode straight out the door—no farewell handshake, no joint press conference, no joint statement—just the seven of them left awkwardly standing beside a map of Ukraine. And where did Trump go? To call Putin. As Trump departed the meeting hall, Starmer stood silently on the White House driveway, refusing journalists’ questions—captured by an Associated Press lens as a tall, thin shadow stretching across the pavement. Later, Trump posted on social media: 'I held a very friendly meeting with them. Everyone was happy—and all believe peace in Ukraine is now within reach.'

Trump implies Putin is lying; Germany delivers two Patriot systems to Ukraine.

Under these circumstances, common sense suggests this is a fabricated or exaggerated narrative—designed to give Russia a pretext to reject Trump’s push for negotiations, much like during the Alaska meeting, when Putin was urged to pursue peace but instead 'spat in America’s face.' The editorial states that Kyiv has already fulfilled its responsibilities in the peace process. Now, the burden of advancing peace rests squarely on Putin—if he refuses, he will face harsher sanctions and even deadlier weapons. The editorial concludes: 'Let him put away his crocodile tears—and intensify the pressure.' Ironically, though I lack the U.S. president’s supposedly reliable intelligence sources, I could instantly discern that Russia was fabricating pretexts to obstruct negotiations—while Trump fell for Putin’s deception completely. Trump expressed 'shock and outrage' over Ukraine’s alleged 'attack' on Putin’s residence—and even remarked, 'Fortunately, we haven’t provided Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles.' This once again proves Trump is nothing but a laughingstock on the international stage. 2. [Finnish President Stubb says part of the peace agreement may be unfair to Ukraine] In his New Year’s Day address, Finnish President Stubb unusually highlighted how the Russia-Ukraine war has reshaped the global order—and noted that certain provisions of the proposed peace agreement might contradict principles of justice. Stubb stated that peace efforts must continue, given that Russia has waged an aggressive war for nearly four years. 'Peace is closer than ever before,' he urged preparedness—because 'not all clauses in the peace agreement align with the spirit of justice.' Stubb added: 'Nonetheless, we will do everything possible to safeguard Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.' He called on citizens to see the world as it truly is—not as we wish it to be. Stubb also emphasized that Finland’s relationship with Russia has been permanently altered—and its ties with the United States are likewise evolving. It is widely believed that Stubb enjoys a strong personal rapport with Trump; his remarks thus strongly imply deep disappointment with Trump’s handling of the Ukraine issue. 3. [On New Year’s Eve, Russian forces launched air strikes against multiple Ukrainian cities] On January 1, President Zelenskyy posted that Russia fired over 200 attack drones at Ukraine on New Year’s Eve, targeting Volyn, Rivne, Zaporizhzhia, Odesa, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Chernihiv oblasts—primarily striking Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Zelenskyy reported that most incoming drones were intercepted. Emergency responders rushed to assist all affected areas; energy workers worked urgently to restore power. By the time this report was filed, 98% of residents impacted by the attacks had regained electricity, water, and heating. Russia’s New Year’s Eve strikes across Ukraine killed at least two people and injured 16. 4. [Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense confirms receipt of two 'Patriot' missile systems from Germany] On January 1, 2026, local time, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense announced that Ukrainian forces had deployed two additional 'Patriot' air-defense missile systems to protect Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure. The Ministry stated this deployment resulted from a recent agreement with the German government. To date—counting three retired Patriot systems donated by Israel—Ukraine has deployed at least 12 'Patriot' air-defense systems, each comprising approximately six independent missile launchers.

Finland’s Stubb Sees Trump Taking Stronger Role Again in Ukraine

Sep 23, 2026

Finnish President Stubb indicates Trump will take a stronger role in Ukraine peace talks, aiming for a winter cease-fire that includes potential restrictions on attacks against oil refineries and energy infrastructure amid surging energy prices.

bloomberg

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