Norway’s premier says call with Putin was effort to present European views

Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere defended a recent three-way call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Finnish President Alexander Stubb, claiming the discussion aimed to convey European perspectives alongside US views. The unprecedented 90-minute conversation, breaking a long-standing Western European habit of avoiding direct Kremlin contact, came as Ukraine and Russia prepare to hold their first face-to-face talks in Abu Dhabi next month.

Stoere, along with Stubb, emphasized their focus on finding a resolution that prevents ongoing conflict and loss of life, stating they believe Putin's mind isn't likely to change but will still receive their position clearly. Norway sought to propose de-escalation measures, such as ceasing attacks on Russian energy infrastructure and ships transporting Ukrainian grain, as well as prisoner exchanges.

Stoere acknowledged Russia's control over 20% of Ukrainian territory and questioned whether Ukraine could accept the current frontline as a starting point for peace. He also highlighted the importance of security guarantees for Ukraine following any peace agreement, a matter Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov dismissed as offering nothing new.