Behind the conversation with Putin. "90-minute discourse on the Slavs"

On October 27, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss diplomatic efforts for ending the war in Ukraine. The conversation, initially scheduled for 30 minutes, extended to about 90 minutes, during which Putin focused on medieval Slavic history rather than concrete proposals for peace. The issue of an immediate ceasefire, a key demand from Ukraine, was only briefly mentioned. This highlights the challenges European leaders face in engaging with Russia, as dialogue does not guarantee discussions on specific terms for conflict resolution. Putin's historical references have long been part of his narrative, questioning Ukraine's sovereignty and emphasizing ties between the two nations, which reflects a Russian interpretation of history rather than an acknowledgment of Ukraine's right to self-determination.