Putin outlines conditions for ending the war in talks with Finnish and Norwegian leaders

Contact with Western leaders

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with the head of Finland, Alexander Stubb, and the Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Støre. According to the Kremlin, Stubb and Støre were the initiators of this contact. This fact had previously been confirmed by representatives of the Finnish and Norwegian sides.

Moscow's position on a peaceful settlement

While discussing the possibilities of ceasing hostilities, the Russian leader outlined his view on the causes of the conflict and the current situation. According to the Russian side, Putin stressed that achieving a durable peace is impossible without taking Russia's interests into account.

In addition, he accused NATO and European Union member states of pursuing a confrontational policy. According to Putin, it is precisely this behaviour by Western partners that is prolonging the war.

Humanitarian aspects

Separately, the Russian President addressed the situation in the Oleshky area. He reported on the conduct of a humanitarian operation there, which began against the backdrop of a ceasefire declared for that day.