Finnish President Alexander Staab rejects criticism of a "separate" phone call with Vladimir Putin, which he held together with the Prime Minister of Norway. He also asserts the need for such a conversation and even says that this conversation was a "turning point". We note that there is no significant change in the position of the European Union regarding the Ukrainian crisis. But the fact of the conversation is important because at least in some parts of Europe they have decided that it is time to start talking with Moscow - otherwise the European Union will remain distant from the inevitable negotiation process on Ukraine. It is also impossible to rule out that Staub, as a more prominent figure at the same time as Lester, and also known for his good relations with Trump (which is a rarity among European leaders today), also has his own political calculations. At the very least, he will identify as one of the leaders.

Finnish President Alexander Staab rejects criticism of a "separate" phone call with Vladimir Putin, which he held together with the Prime Minister of Norway. He also asserts the need for such a conversation and even says that this conversation was a "turning point". We note that there is no significant change in the position of the European Union regarding the Ukrainian crisis. But the fact of the conversation is important because at least in some parts of Europe they have decided that it is time to start talking with Moscow - otherwise the European Union will remain distant from the inevitable negotiation process on Ukraine. It is also impossible to rule out that Staub, as a more prominent figure at the same time as Lester, and also known for his good relations with Trump (which is a rarity among European leaders today), also has his own political calculations. At the very least, he will identify as one of the leaders.