Norway’s prime minister defended a trilateral call with President Putin and
Finland’s president, saying the aim was to ensure Russia hears Europe’s
perspective alongside the US. He said Norway pushed for de‑escalation measures
including halting strikes on Russian and Ukrainian energy infrastructure and
stopping attacks on ships carrying Ukrainian grain, and sought prisoner
exchanges. On prospects for peace without territorial concessions, he noted
Russia currently controls nearly 20% of Ukraine and said Ukraine will not sign
an agreement formally acknowledging lost territory; whether Kyiv could accept
the current frontline as a negotiation starting point is open, and the crucial
question is what security guarantees Ukraine would receive — an issue Putin also
acknowledged. Foreign Minister Lavrov said the call produced no new progress and
accused European countries of seeking a role in negotiations.
