​Pragmatic or pointless? Europe’s rift over whether to pick up the phone to Putin

The recent phone call between Finland's president and Norway's prime minister with Vladimir Putin has sparked criticism from Denmark and Sweden, highlighting divisions among Nordic countries regarding foreign policy towards Russia. While the Finnish and Norwegian leaders claimed the call was on behalf of Ukraine, their neighbors expressed skepticism about the initiative's coordination. This incident reflects broader European tensions over how to engage with Putin, as leaders debate the necessity and timing of dialogue. The lack of a unified EU representative for negotiations complicates the situation further, with concerns that individual outreach could undermine collective efforts. Analysts warn that Putin may interpret these moves as signs of desperation among Ukraine's allies, potentially exacerbating divisions within Europe.