Zelenskyy defends leaders of Finland and Norway over Putin talks
Some European governments have criticized Alexander Stubb and Jonas Gahr Støre for breaking ranks and calling the Russian leader directly.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised Finland and Norway for engaging with Russian President Vladimir Putin in peace talks, despite criticism from some European leaders. In a 90-minute call, Stubb and Støre urged Putin to end his war on Ukraine. Zelenskyy stated that he had a positive view of the two Nordic leaders and that Europe had been in contact with Russia since the U.S. met with Putin in Alaska last year.
He highlighted that Finland and Norway were opening a new channel of communication to provide Europe with independent information. However, Denmark's Prime Minister and Sweden's Prime Minister expressed skepticism about the call, with some fearing it undermines Europe's unity against Russia. The Italian government also criticized the initiative, stating that it exposed a lack of agreement on a unified European voice in peace talks.
The European Commission has taken note of the call but maintains that negotiations occur through various formats and levels involving different officials.
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