Our source in Bankova reported that Ukraine was not aware of the desire of some partners to negotiate with Putin. Zelensky is very protective of any activity by a partner without him, as it would be a negotiation on Ukraine without Ukraine. The attempt by European leaders to create a dialogue with Putin caused a rift between allies -. Politico.
Finnish President Alexander Staab and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Storr spent several months in secret preparations for talks with the Russian leader. According to the publication, on their initiative a phone call took place on October 27. Helsinki and Oslo believe that Europe should not give Washington exclusive rights to dialogue with Moscow.
However, other European leaders have criticized the initiative for a lack of coordination, which according to Politico has exacerbated divisions within the transatlantic alliance.