Joint call between Putin and European leaders takes place on Ukraine conflict

A joint call between Vladimir Putin and European leaders has taken place for a rare occasion, as Finland's President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre spoke with the Russian president.

The initiative was aimed at exploring future negotiations that could help bring an end to the war in Ukraine, according to statements from their offices. They clarified that this move did not represent a unified position on behalf of Europe as a whole. It's understood that the two Nordic leaders sought to engage directly with Putin on this issue.

Putin responded to the call by suggesting that confrontational policies pursued by the EU and Nato are prolonging the conflict, which began in 2022 when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. His comments reflect ongoing tensions between Western powers and Russia over its actions in the region.

Following their conversation with Putin, Stubb and Støre spoke separately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who expressed gratitude for the "active support" they offered during their meeting last week in Oslo.

The Norwegian prime minister emphasized that the ongoing war has severe consequences for both people and infrastructure. The suffering it causes will persist for generations to come. This stark assessment underscores the gravity of the situation in Ukraine.

Stubb described Tuesday's conversation with Putin as direct and substantial, stating that the outcome of the conflict will have a significant impact on European security. He highlighted that the war's consequences will affect not only Ukraine but also its neighboring countries. The Norwegian leader's comments reflect the growing concern among European nations about the war's far-reaching implications.

The phone call was part of ongoing efforts to find a resolution to the conflict. The talks were initiated by Stubb and Støre, who sought to build on discussions held in Oslo earlier this month. These meetings have led to a resumption of three-way negotiations between Ukraine, Russia, and the US after a months-long pause.

The upcoming trilateral talks scheduled for Abu Dhabi in November will be an important step towards finding a peaceful solution. The Norwegian prime minister's assessment of the war's long-term consequences serves as a reminder of the need for a lasting resolution to the conflict.

The phone call between the leaders of Norway and Finland and Vladimir Putin has sparked debate among European nations about the best approach to resolving the conflict in Ukraine.

In a significant development, Ukrainian President Zelensky discussed potential formats for engagement with European partners that could support diplomacy, defense, and shared security. This conversation comes after a rare occurrence: two European leaders have contacted Putin since French President Macron's conversation with him last July.

Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed skepticism about the dialogue between Norway, Finland, and Moscow, stating it was uncoordinated with other European nations. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has hinted at welcoming an European negotiator to peace talks, a move that could potentially ease tensions.