Norway’s premier says call with Putin was effort to present European views
Summary
Norway’s prime minister Jonas Gahr Stoere defended a three-way call with Vladimir Putin and Finland’s president, saying it was meant to present European views on the Ukraine war. He said the discussion focused on de-escalation steps, possible peace terms and security guarantees for Ukraine.
Key Points
- Norway’s Jonas Gahr Stoere said the call with Vladimir Putin and Alexander Stubb was meant to ensure the Russian president heard European as well as US views.
- The 90-minute conversation came ahead of expected face-to-face talks between Ukrainian and Russian officials in Abu Dhabi next month.
- Stoere said Norway wants de-escalation measures such as stopping attacks on energy infrastructure, halting strikes on grain-exporting ships and carrying out prisoner exchanges.
- He said Ukraine will never accept a peace deal that recognises Russian-occupied territory, and that security guarantees will be central to any agreement.
