US President Donald Trump’s 28-point peace plan has sparked significant concern among Ukrainians in Finland, many of whom are labeling it a “plan for surrender.”
In an interview with Yle, Kristina Lieskakova from the Ukraine House in Tampere characterized the proposal as another attempt to force Ukraine into capitulating.
Ukrainians throughout Finland have expressed their disbelief and outrage at the terms outlined in this peace plan. “Given the extensive war crimes committed by Russian forces, it feels more like a surrender plan than a legitimate pathway to peace,” remarked Andrii Gontarenko, a resident of Jyväskylä who has resided in Finland since 2011. Alongside his partner Mariia Gavriushenko, he has been actively assisting fellow Ukrainians who have sought refuge in their region after the Russian invasion began in February 2022.
Gavriushenko was quick to underscore her disapproval as well, asserting that the plan effectively “legalizes Russian aggression.” She highlighted a disturbing absence of key provisions, such as a complete withdrawal of Russian troops, a restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, and accountability for war crimes committed by Russia. The proposal’s suggestion to recognize Russian-held territories as part of Russia shocked her deeply.
Olena Herasymenko, head of the Finnish Ukrainians Association in Turku, voiced her disappointment with both the content of the plan and the manner in which it was constructed. “This agreement has been negotiated primarily between the United States and Russia, with little regard for Ukraine’s perspective,” she explained. “European nations have also been sidelined in this critical conversation. While we long for peace, it cannot come at the cost of fairness. This document amounts to a surrender of our territory.”
Kristina Lieskakova fears that the terms laid out in the plan are wholly unacceptable to Ukraine. “We cannot predict when this war will conclude, but agreements like this will not lead us to a resolution,” she stated, deeming the proposal yet another pressure tactic aimed at forcing a surrender.
Oleksandr Kazakov shared a similarly grim perspective, asserting that Trump’s approach indicates a troubling alliance with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “At this juncture, it seems the U.S. is prioritizing Russian interests over those of Europe and the broader world,” he lamented, admitting that reading the plan left him feeling quite despondent. “It makes one wonder if there is any hope left in this world.”
Finnish political leaders have not held back in their criticism either. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo cautioned that the plan appears largely influenced by Russian interests and termed it “problematic.” “Sustainable peace cannot be achieved without Ukraine’s agreement; that is our foundational premise,” he asserted.
Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the necessity of Ukrainian involvement in any peace negotiations. “It is key that Ukraine leads these discussions and that the criteria for peace are fair, ensuring that Russia, as the aggressor, does not receive undue rewards,” he stated.
As the discourse surrounding this peace plan continues to unfold, the voices of Ukrainians in Finland remain resolute in their calls for a fair and just resolution.