Finland and Norway Leaders Speak with Russian President

In depth

Finnish president Alexander Stubb and Norwegian prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre spoke with Russian president Vladimir Putin about the war in Ukraine and ways to end it, on the initiative of the two. According to Israel Hayom, the sides agreed to stay in contact, and this is Stubb's first conversation with Putin since May 2022.

According to N12, the call was meant to last less than half an hour but stretched to 90 minutes, focusing on a history lesson by Putin. According to Behadrei Haredim, instead of a discussion on ending the war, a lengthy lecture on the Middle Ages was heard, while the Nordic leaders had hoped to open a window to diplomatic dialogue.

According to Haaretz, the leaders tried to influence the diplomatic process and "held a candid and matter-of-fact conversation", after Trump's change of position in favor of Russia worsened US ties with Ukraine. According to Channel 14, Zelensky welcomed the initiative, and in Denmark they expressed skepticism.