On Monday, a significant meeting took place at the White House involving U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, along with leaders from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Finland. The gathering also included the NATO Secretary General and the President of the European Union. The meeting raised questions about its purpose: Was it a show of unity against Russian aggression, or an attempt to steer Trump away from potentially rewarding such actions?

The Oval Office was crowded, with eight European leaders present. Trump typically invites senior cabinet members to join him during foreign visits, leading to a packed room. The Vice President, Secretary of State, and Secretary of Defense were all present, along with the Treasury Secretary, Commerce Secretary, and Press Secretary. This left little room for others, as Marco Rubio, the acting national security adviser, was unable to find a seat.

During the introductions, Trump struggled to recognize President Alexander Stubb of Finland, who was seated directly in front of him. Despite large place cards, Trump asked, "Where, where?" prompting Stubb to respond, "I’m right here." Trump then complimented Stubb, saying, "Oh, you look better than I’ve ever seen you look," which drew laughter from those present.

Stubb's presence was significant, as he has a history of golfing with Trump, which may have helped establish a rapport. Finland shares a long border with Russia and has a history of navigating its relationship with the country. This background is crucial for understanding the dynamics of the current situation in Ukraine. Finland's experience with Russian imperialism has shaped its diplomatic approach, which has included a policy known as "Finlandization," aimed at placating Russia.

After the Soviet Union's collapse, neighboring countries like Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia joined NATO, while Finland and Sweden remained outside the alliance. However, following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, both Finland and Sweden sought NATO membership, recognizing the need for stronger security against Russian aggression.

The meeting underscored the importance of transatlantic solidarity in countering Russian expansionism. Stubb's role was to remind Trump of the realities faced by countries bordering Russia. As Trump has fluctuated in his support for Zelenskyy while maintaining a warmer relationship with Putin, having a Finnish perspective could be beneficial for Ukraine.

The hope among Ukraine's allies is that the lessons from Finland's history will lead to a stronger Western alliance against Russian threats. This approach echoes the Cold War strategy of "peace through strength," emphasizing the need for unity in the face of aggression.