Nordic Leaders Call Putin for First Time in 4 Years to Discuss November Peace Talks
Bastillepost · 4 SOURCESabout 5 hours ago1 MIN
Summary
Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre held a landmark phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, marking the first direct dialogue between Nordic heads of government and the Kremlin since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began over four years ago. The two leaders initiated the call to discuss a planned resumption of peace negotiations involving the United States, Russia, and Ukraine, scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi in November. While the conversation was described as candid and substantive, it has sparked controversy among European allies, with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen publicly questioning the wisdom of unilateral engagement with Moscow.
Key Points
- Finnish President Stubb and Norwegian PM Støre initiated the call with Putin on Tuesday to discuss peace talks
- The November summit in Abu Dhabi will involve the US, Russia, and Ukraine, with American envoys facilitating
- Denmark's PM Frederiksen criticized the Nordic leaders for not coordinating with other European partners beforehand
- Ukrainian President Zelensky was briefed by the Nordic leaders and discussed future cooperation frameworks
- Putin, through aide Ushakov, stated that Zelensky could travel to Moscow for direct talks with security guarantees