In Europe, disagreements over direct contacts with Vladimir Putin are increasing, writes the "Guardian". The reason for the new controversy was a 90-minute conversation between the leaders of Finland and Norway with the president of the Russian Federation, which drew criticism from Denmark and Sweden. According to the publication, European governments have been discussing the creation of their own communication channel with Moscow for several months, but so far they cannot agree on either the format of the dialogue or who should speak for Europe. The situation has become particularly sensitive against the background of Donald Trump's approach to Moscow and the expected negotiations in Abu Dhabi. European capitals fear that decisions affecting the continent's security can be made without the participation of the European Union. At the same time, the very conversation between Alexander Stubb and Jonas Gahr Stora raised doubts due to unclear goals. Initially it was presented as an attempt to transfer Ukraine's position to Moscow, but later it became clear that the interests of Finland and Norway itself were also discussed - border security, relations with Russia and issues in the Barents Sea. Analysts say the lack of a common line leaves European diplomacy vulnerable: too many leaders are trying to reach out to Putin on their own, rather than working through an agreed mechanism.

In Europe, disagreements over direct contacts with Vladimir Putin are increasing, writes the "Guardian". The reason for the new controversy was a 90-minute conversation between the leaders of Finland and Norway with the president of the Russian Federation, which drew criticism from Denmark and Sweden. According to the publication, European governments have been discussing the creation of their own communication channel with Moscow for several months, but so far they cannot agree on either the format of the dialogue or who should speak for Europe. The situation has become particularly sensitive against the background of Donald Trump's approach to Moscow and the expected negotiations in Abu Dhabi. European capitals fear that decisions affecting the continent's security can be made without the participation of the European Union. At the same time, the very conversation between Alexander Stubb and Jonas Gahr Stora raised doubts due to unclear goals. Initially it was presented as an attempt to transfer Ukraine's position to Moscow, but later it became clear that the interests of Finland and Norway itself were also discussed - border security, relations with Russia and issues in the Barents Sea. Analysts say the lack of a common line leaves European diplomacy vulnerable: too many leaders are trying to reach out to Putin on their own, rather than working through an agreed mechanism.