A 90-minute call: European leaders make rare contact with Putin, urged to de-escalate over Ukraine
A rare call with Putin
Støre and Stubb spoke with Putin from Helsinki, Finland’s capital. Støre said the discussion was frank and substantive and highlighted major differences in views. The Nordic leaders then spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Kyiv had coordinated the call and called it the right approach. Stubb said the war’s outcome would directly affect Nordic and wider European security, and argued that ending it required direct discussions.
Positions remain far apart
The Kremlin’s account blamed what it called confrontational policies by EU and NATO countries for prolonging hostilities. A source close to the Kremlin said Putin welcomed European involvement and said any end to the war must take account of realities on the ground. There was no indication in the Kremlin’s account that Putin had softened his position.
Europe debates engagement
Most Western European leaders have avoided talks with Putin in an effort to isolate him. But European governments have had limited influence in peace efforts led by Trump, whom many European capitals view as unpredictable and likely to favour Putin at Ukraine’s expense.
Calls for Ukraine’s involvement
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said efforts to end the war could not find solutions without Ukraine and must include European countries. The Nordic leaders may face fewer constraints in dealing with Moscow than Britain, France and Germany, whose relations with Russia have deteriorated further.
Key points
- Støre and Stubb urged de-escalation in a 90-minute call with Putin.
- The Kremlin’s account showed no sign of a shift in Putin’s position.
- Ukraine said the call had been coordinated with Kyiv.
- European leaders differ over how to engage Moscow and pursue peace.