Key facts
- Finland and Norway leaders spoke with Putin on Tuesday.
- Denmark and Sweden criticized the uncoordinated calls.
- European leaders are divided on engaging Putin and appointing a negotiator.
Finland and Norway's leaders spoke with Vladimir Putin this week, drawing criticism from Denmark and Sweden. The independent calls highlight divisions within Europe over how to engage with Russia and who should represent the bloc in potential negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
Disagreements over engaging with Russia and appointing a unified European negotiator could complicate efforts to end the war in Ukraine and shape the continent's security.
Finland and Norway's leaders spoke with Vladimir Putin this week, a move that drew criticism from their Danish and Swedish neighbors. The calls, conducted on Ukraine's behalf, highlighted divisions within Europe over how to engage with Russia and who should represent the bloc in potential negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. European leaders have been discussing the appointment of a single representative to negotiate with Moscow, but progress has been slow, with a new round of peace talks expected in Abu Dhabi next month.
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