Denmark, Estonia express skepticism over Finland and Norway’s call with Putin

Danish and Estonian officials expressed skepticism over leadership from Finland and Norway communicating with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this week amid heightened tension between Moscow and Kyiv.

Estonian Foreign Affairs Minister Margus Tsahkna wrote on social platform X , “Only increased pressure on Russia will make it take peace negotiations seriously.”

“Every contact with Russia must convey Europe’s unity and determination to support Ukraine and maintain pressure on Russia, while making clear that Europe will not negotiate away the fundamental principles underpinning its security,” Tsahkna continued, adding that “there is no indication that Russia has changed its strategic objectives or is genuinely interested in negotiations.”

“A just and lasting peace requires increased pressure on Russia, tighter sanctions, action against sanctions evasion, Russia’s international isolation and unwavering support for Ukraine,” he stated.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb’s office confirmed the call between the trio on Tuesday, writing that it was “held in consultation with Ukraine.”

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reportedly said she was “very skeptical of this Norwegian and Finnish initiative,” according to Bloomberg . She noted that the initiative was “not coordinated with the rest of us.”

Frederiksen added she believed “Russia does not want” peace with Europe “therefore I think we should be very careful about giving Putin an opportunity,” per a translation by Visegrad 24 .

A press release about the call affirmed that while Finland and Norway border Russia, both countries are “firm supporters of Ukraine” and the “aim of the call was to convey messages directly regarding future negotiations to help to end the war.”

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre detailed in the press release that he and Stubb “stressed the importance of de-escalation” to leaders in Russia.

“The outcome of this war will have a direct impact on our and the broader European security. Ending the war requires direct discussions,” Stubb concluded.

The call marked their first known direct contact since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Upcoming trilateral talks concerning the Ukraine-Russia war are scheduled for later this year in Abu Dhabi, per the Finnish President’s office.

Overnight, Russian ballistic missiles hit multiple targets in Kyiv and Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, killing at least 3 people, per the Associated Press . Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on social media that Russia launched 16 missiles and more than 280 drones directed at 11 regions in Ukraine.