Phone to the Kremlin. Leaders of Norway and Finland spoke with Putin

Norwegian Prime Minister Støre and Finnish President Stubb had a phone conversation with Putin following their meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky. They aimed to present their stance on future negotiations to end the war, emphasizing the significant human and material costs involved. Støre highlighted the importance of actions leading to de-escalation, while Stubb described the conversation as direct and substantive, stressing its implications for regional security. They discussed an upcoming meeting in Abu Dhabi involving representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. Both leaders clarified they were representing only Norway and Finland, not Europe as a whole. Negotiations continue, with U.S. envoy Witkoff also involved in peace proposals.