In a move that caught many off guard, Finnish President Alexander Stubb paid an informal visit to Donald Trump at his Florida Mar-a-Lago estate this weekend. The two spent Saturday enjoying breakfast, discussing geopolitics, and playing a friendly round of golf. While the visit was low-key, the subject matter was anything but: from Ukraine to Arctic diplomacy and the future of U.S.–Finnish relations, no topic was off the table. Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the pair discussed ‘strengthening the partnership’ between the two nations, including plans for the U.S. to purchase and co-develop a fleet of modern icebreakers, a sector where Finland is a global leader. “Delivering Peace and International Security for our Countries, and the World,” Trump added with his trademark flair. Finland’s NATO role and Arctic influence take centre stage Stubb’s visit follows his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Helsinki earlier in the week. Though described by the Finnish president’s office as informal, the Florida rendezvous comes at a tense geopolitical moment. With Finland now a full member of NATO and sharing the EU’s longest border with Russia, Helsinki has positioned itself as a key player in the changing security landscape of northern Europe. Finland’s prowess in Arctic shipbuilding also gives it leverage. About 80 per cent of the world’s icebreakers are designed by Finnish companies, with 60 per cent built in Finnish shipyards. This expertise was central to the 2023 Icebreaker Collaboration Effort — a trilateral agreement between Finland, Canada, and the Biden administration to bolster Arctic capabilities. Trump’s Arctic ambitions and controversial rhetoric While Stubb was on the green with Trump, Vice President JD Vance stirred controversy in Greenland — a self-governing Danish territory and close Nordic partner of Finland — accusing Denmark of neglecting its security. Trump, who previously floated the idea of buying Greenland, doubled down during an NBC interview on Saturday, saying he wouldn’t rule out using military force to claim it. Asked if seizing Greenland would send a message to Russia, Trump brushed it off: “I don’t really think about that. I don’t really care.” Though not an official state visit, Stubb’s gamble on ‘golf course diplomacy’ may signal Finland’s intent to maintain strong ties with Washington — regardless of who wins the U.S. election. Find more news about Finland