Norway's Prime Minister signals potential new talks with Putin
Photo: Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
A new phone call with Vladimir Putin, with Finnish President Alexander Stubb participating, is indeed possible, according to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
The Norwegian Prime Minister shares his thoughts following his first telephone conversation with Putin, which took place on October 27, with the Finnish President in attendance.
"I am very pleased that Norway and Finland took up this challenge (initiated contact with the Kremlin leader—ed.), and I do not rule out the possibility of another conversation," Støre emphasizes.
He also comments on the meeting between the Prime Ministers of the Nordic countries and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Copenhagen.
According to Støre, support for Ukraine among the Nordic countries remains strong.
"We are among the most important supporters of Ukraine," he emphasizes.
During the meeting, Zelenskyy spoke about the first day of negotiations between Ukraine, the US, and Russia in Abu Dhabi. The Ukrainian President also stated that it was time for the European Union to decide on a representative who could join future negotiations.
Støre, Stubb, and Putin talks
The parties held a telephone conversation on October 27. It lasted about 90 minutes.
During the conversation, Putin presented his assessment of the situation on the front lines, reiterated the so-called root causes of the war, and stated that long-term peace is possible only if Russia's interests are taken into account.
The parties also welcomed the agreement to resume trilateral talks between Ukraine, the US, and Russia in Abu Dhabi.
Støre described the conversation as substantive, while acknowledging the existence of significant differences between the participants.
A short time later, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed Norway and Finland's plan regarding negotiations with Putin.
The President of Finland explained the initiative for the phone call by citing concerns about the prospects for peace talks and the need for Europe to play a more active role in diplomatic efforts.
At the same time, Stubb's office emphasized that the leaders of Norway and Finland were speaking on behalf of their own countries, not on behalf of all of Europe.
