"Let's face it: Putin is not isolated," says the politician who called him.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre discussed his recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing the need for European voices in negotiations. He defended the call, initiated with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, despite criticism from other European leaders. Støre described Putin's demeanor as "professional" and "rational," rejecting claims that Putin lectured them on Slavic history. He expressed skepticism about Putin's desire for peace, stating that if he truly wanted peace, the war would not have started. Støre also commented on the ongoing peace talks in Abu Dhabi, indicating low expectations for breakthroughs and stressing the importance of a unified European stance in negotiations.