Norway and Finland explained why they decided to hold a phone call with Putin
The conversation between the President of Finland and the Prime Minister of Norway with Vladimir Putin raised questions about the appropriateness of such contacts. The leaders of the two countries explained why they decided to reach out to the Kremlin leader on their own and how they prepared for these talks.
The Finnish President's Office announced the purpose of the October 27 phone call.
Why did Stubb and Støre decide to speak with Putin?
Alexander Stubb and Jonas Gar Støre emphasized that they were acting as leaders of their own countries, not on behalf of all of Europe. The main purpose of their conversation was to personally convey their position on future negotiations to the Russian side. This contact is also linked to upcoming international meetings scheduled in Abu Dhabi.
The Finnish leader’s office emphasized that both countries share borders with Russia and are directly affected by the war in terms of their own stability. During the dialogue, they specifically highlighted the importance of security in the Baltic Sea region and the Far North. The politicians assured that they would continue their long-standing support for Ukraine and insisted on resuming the negotiation process.
The discussion was frank and substantive. We are Russia’s neighbors. The outcome of this war will have a direct impact on our security and the security of Europe as a whole. Direct negotiations are necessary to end the war,
– said Alexander Stubb.
He also assured that preparations for the phone call were made jointly with Ukraine and the United States.
How did the Norwegian prime minister respond to accusations of a split in Europe?
Jonas Gar Støre stated that negotiations with Putin do not indicate divisions among European countries. According to him, it is a matter of protecting their own security interests.
For four years, the EU has not had a single message or a single approach. We have not spoken on behalf of anyone but ourselves. Norway shares a border with Russia, we have a large maritime zone, and we must maintain healthy and good neighborly relations that will ensure our security. Finland shares a 1,300-kilometer border, so maintaining political contacts in this regard does not imply a rift. It is a matter of protecting our interests,
– stated the Prime Minister of Norway.
How did other countries react to the talks?
Stubb and Støre’s conversation with Putin drew a skeptical reaction in Denmark. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that the initiative had not been agreed upon along with other European leaders.
She also emphasized that she sees no signs of Russia’s desire for peace, given its daily attacks against Ukraine and the hybrid war.
At the same time, the Finnish president and the Norwegian prime minister assured that their contact with the Kremlin does not alter their support for Ukraine. Both politicians stressed the need to end the war and resume the negotiation process.