Nordic Leaders Hold Rare Call with Putin

Breaking news: Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre held a rare joint phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine and efforts to promote peace. The call, initiated by the Nordic leaders in consultation with Ukraine, comes amid heightened security concerns for Finland and Norway, both of which border Russia. According to official statements, the discussion was frank and substantive, focusing on the urgent need for de-escalation and the immense human and material costs of the conflict. The leaders underscored their unwavering support for Ukraine and stressed that ending the war requires direct engagement with the Russian leadership. In response, President Putin emphasized that a just and lasting peace can only be achieved if Russia's legitimate interests are fully addressed, and accused EU and NATO policies of prolonging the conflict. There is no immediate indication of a breakthrough from the talks, and the outcome remains uncertain. The move by Finland and Norway marks a significant diplomatic step, diverging from previous Western practices of limited direct contact with the Kremlin. The future of negotiations and any potential resolution to the conflict remain closely watched by European and global observers.