Finland and Norway Held ‘Frank and Substantive’ Phone Call With Putin, Finnish President Says

The leaders of Finland and Norway spoke directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a move distinct from most European nations’ approach. They discussed future negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, with the conversations linked to upcoming trilateral meetings in Abu Dhabi. Both leaders emphasized they were speaking for their own nations, not for Europe collectively.

• Finland and Norway leaders contacted Russian President Vladimir Putin.
• The call aimed to discuss future negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
• This direct contact diverges from the general European stance towards the Kremlin.
• The conversation is linked to upcoming trilateral meetings involving Russia, Ukraine, and the US in Abu Dhabi.
• Finnish and Norwegian leaders stated they were acting in their national capacities.