Financial Times: Putin gave a lecture on Slavic history instead of meaningful negotiations to the Finnish and Norwegian leaders

Finn President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre had a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which was described as sincere but less substantive than expected. Reports indicate that instead of discussing key issues regarding the end of the war in Ukraine, Putin focused on medieval Slavic history and the origins of the conflict during the lengthy call. Sources noted that the main demand from Ukraine for an immediate ceasefire was barely addressed. The conversation was the first between Putin and European leaders since the EU began talks this summer about appointing a representative to negotiate directly with Moscow. Stubb and Støre expressed their intention to convey direct messages regarding future negotiations aimed at ending the war, expected to take place in Abu Dhabi in November.