Kristersson doubts peace prospects after Nordic leaders call Putin

Ulf Kristersson voiced low expectations for peace after Finland’s president and Norway’s prime minister spoke directly with Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, exposing differences over how Nordic countries should approach Russia.

The Swedish prime minister told Sveriges Radio that Russia’s daily actions in Ukraine gave him no indication it was seeking peace. He also warned about talks that could split Europe’s voice, while stressing that he did not yet know what this call had covered, according to TV4.

Finland’s Alexander Stubb and Norway’s Jonas Gahr Støre initiated the call from Helsinki. Norway’s official account says it was arranged in consultation with Ukraine and followed their 20 October meeting in Oslo.

The two leaders sought to convey messages about negotiations to end Russia’s war ahead of planned talks in Abu Dhabi. They spoke as leaders of their own countries, not as representatives of Europe, the Norwegian government said.

Stubb and Støre reiterated their countries’ long-term support for Ukraine and called for de-escalation and renewed negotiations. Kristersson said conversations that made Russia more willing to accept a decent peace on Ukraine’s terms would be welcome.

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