Danish criticism of Putin talks prompts clarification from Norway's prime minister
Photo: Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (Getty Images)
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has expressed skepticism regarding the negotiations between the leaders of Norway and Finland and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, according to Sky News.
Frederiksen stated that she sees no signs that Russia is seeking peace with Europe. According to her, the negotiation initiative was not coordinated with other European leaders.
"I see no signs that Russia desires peace with Europe - neither in the hybrid warfare taking place every single day, nor in Ukraine, where they are launching fierce and aggressive attacks on a daily basis," the Danish prime minister said.
She emphasized that European countries should maintain unity rather than acting independently. Frederiksen also stated that she is "very skeptical" about negotiations with Putin.
Norwegian Prime Minister's response
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre reported that his conversation with Putin took place in the morning and lasted approximately 90 minutes.
According to him, allied countries and partners were informed about the call in advance.
Støre also called for de-escalation of the war in Ukraine. He noted that his position aligns with the approach of Finnish President Alexander Stubb and the Coalition of the Willing.
Furthermore, the Norwegian prime minister expressed the view that Moscow is carefully preparing for the upcoming trilateral negotiations in Abu Dhabi.
European leaders' talks with Putin
On October 27, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre held a telephone conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
The purpose of the contact was to convey Ukraine’s position regarding future peace negotiations, which are planned to take place in Abu Dhabi.
During the conversation, Stubb and Støre emphasized the need to end the war and continue the negotiation process. The Norwegian prime minister also underscored the importance of de-escalation.
Following the call, the European leaders spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and informed him of the results.
