Kremlin downplays rare Putin call from leaders of Finland and Norway

Al Jazeera reports that President Alexander Stubb and Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store initiated the call from Helsinki[1]. Stubb said that "ending the war requires direct discussion"[3], according to Euronews.ABC News reports that in a joint statement, the two leaders linked the call to planned peace talks between Russian, Ukrainian and US officials in Abu Dhabi next month[4].NBC News reports that the Kremlin's readout insisted that peace "is possible only if the legitimate interests of the Russian Federation are fully and unconditionally taken into account"[5]. The Kremlin also said the leaders "agreed to continue maintaining direct contact by telephone"[6], according to the Jakarta Globe.Newsinenglish.no reports that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed neither Norway nor Finland brought anything new to the table[2].Euronews quotes Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen as saying the initiative "was not coordinated with any of us"[3]. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said, "My impression is that everyone wants peace except Putin."[3]Al Jazeera reports that Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the call had been coordinated with Kyiv[1]. Mika Aaltola, a member of the European Parliament from Stubb's own party, said there could be "propaganda value" for Moscow[1], according to the same outlet.According to Euronews, Støre said Europe should speak with Russia to complement the messages sent by the US administration[3].