The British newspaper The Guardian reported that Finnish President Alexander Stubb held a phone call with former U.S. President Donald Trump, during which he attempted to persuade him that Russia should no longer be considered a global superpower.

Stubb stated that Russia can no longer be classified as a major power, adding that Trump’s worldview reflects 19th-century concepts.

The report noted that Trump has begun to lose patience with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal have discussed the possibility of introducing a new sanctions bill against Russia this week, which could further exacerbate the country’s economic troubles.

The paper added that Stubb has maintained regular contact with Senator Graham, who described the proposed sanctions as “crushing.” During a security conference in Estonia, Stubb remarked that the current situation could be summarized as follows: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is showing patience, while Trump is beginning to lose his — but in the right direction, meaning toward Russia.

President Stubb emphasized that the mere threat of sanctions, without actual implementation, could undermine credibility. He noted that the West continues to apply pressure on Russia in an effort to provoke a reaction. Graham is expected to revise the sanctions proposal to specifically target foreign companies importing Russian energy — a move seen as complementing Trump’s broader tariff-driven policy agenda.

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