European Leaders' Controversial Call with Putin Raises Questions on Ukraine Strategy

10/28/2026

Bloc accuses Moscow of showing 'no signs of willingness' to end war, while reaffirming its commitment to diplomacy

10/27/2026

Western European leaders have mostly shunned contact with Putin since Russia launched its full-scale war in Ukraine in February 2022.

10/27/2026

"The outcome of this war will have a direct impact on our and the broader European security. Ending the war requires direct discussions," President Alexander Stubb said in a joint statement with...

10/27/2026

Finland’s president and Norway’s prime minister held a "frank and substantive" discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday about efforts to end the war in Ukraine, the Nordic...

10/27/2026

The rare outreach to Putin drew criticism from Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who warned against European leaders pursuing separate approaches to Moscow

10/27/2026

Denmark has criticized Finland and Norway for reopening dialogue with Moscow as Kiev’s European backers struggle to agree on diplomacy A phone call with the leaders of Finland and Norway’s with...

10/27/2026

The diplomatic outreach was part of an effort to push talks to end the war in Ukraine, though it was not welcomed by all European leaders.