Rare call with Putin on Ukraine was ‘substantive’ but ‘significant differences’ remain, say Finnish and Norwegian leaders – Europe live | Ukraine

Norway’s Jonas Gahr Støre has offered a bit more colour on his and Stubb’s call with Russia’s Putin in a huddle with journalists in Helsinki just now.

He and Stubb had been initially given only 20 minutes to talk to Putin, but ended up speaking for 90 minutes, in a conversation he described as “substantive, focused on the issues at hand, and professional.”

“Much of what he said was already known – he [Putin] recalled his views on how the conflict evolved since 2014 – and we stated our positions. These are well-known views, which we were able to acknowledge and respond to,” he said.

The talks touched on what can be done to tackle most pressing issues, including attacks on energy infrastructure and in the Black Sea.

But Støre conceded “there remain significant differences in our respective positions,” reiterating Norway’s continued support for Ukraine.

“We stand with Ukraine, defend its right to self-defence, and emphasise the need for a diplomatic path to end this war in a lasting and just manner,” he said.

Støre also stressed that he and Finland’s Stubb spoke on behalf of their two countries only, “and no one else.”

Responding to criticism of their call from Denmark’s Frederiksen (11:26), he said that “all our partners and allies were informed in advance and received a detailed account afterwards.”

Pushing back further, he added:

“If one assumes that the current situation – where communication from the American administration to Moscow serves as the sole channel for discussing Ukraine outside of Ukraine – is the only way, then one is entitled to that view. I believe it is important that other voices are heard as well.”

Støre also stressed that the importance of the meeting in Abu Dhabi, first agreed as a result of the Oslo consultations that he and Stubb hosted.

In a brief section of the briefing in English, Støre again focused on pushing back against Frederiksen’s criticism:

“I believe that talking, having the right messages, is not wrong. Today these messages [are] coming out of the American administration; that is the only thing reaching Moscow. So 1793106076 there are [also] voices from two neighbouring states, speaking on behalf of Finland and Norway, not speaking on behalf of others, but … in full compliance with the coalition of the willing who share view on the nature of this war and how with has to end.”