Pavel and Stubb discuss talks with Putin and a common European stance

Czech President Pavel held a phone call with Finnish President Stubb. The two leaders discussed Tuesday’s conversation between Stubb, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Pavel’s office did not specify what was said.

According to the statement, the presidents also talked about the prospects for a common European position on possible peace negotiations. The outcome must be credible security guarantees for Ukraine and for Europe. They also agreed on the need to continue talks involving all interested parties in various formats.

What is known about the call with Putin

Stubb and Støre spoke with Putin on Tuesday. The Finnish president later called the conversation open and businesslike. In a joint statement they stressed that they spoke on behalf of Finland and Norway, not Europe as a whole.

According to British and international media, Putin lectured the Nordic leaders at length about medieval European history and repeated the demand that Ukraine withdraw from Donbas.

Who could become the negotiator

As the British press reported last week, Europe is considering five candidates for the role of negotiator with Russia: Pavel, Stubb, Støre, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. Frederiksen criticized the call on Tuesday. She said Europe must stay united rather than act separately, and that she sees no signs that Russia wants peace with Europe.

Around Prague, based on reporting by novinky.cz