Europe has failed to isolate Russia internationally, and EU leaders should recognize this. This statement was made by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stora in an interview with Politico.
This is how he responded to the criticism of his European colleagues after his telephone conversation with Vladimir Putin.
"Let's face it. It (the Kremlin) is not isolated."
Stora's main statements:
Europe needs to negotiate with Russia - otherwise the Ukrainian conflict may not end.
"We live month after month thinking that this war will end if Europe does not negotiate with Moscow. But this is an illusion."
The leading role in negotiations with Russia should be taken by the "Eurotroika" - Great Britain, France and Germany.
Against the backdrop of Europe's refusal to conduct a direct dialogue with the Russian leadership, "the only voice that Moscow hears comes from Washington."
Storr doubted the imminent conclusion of a peace agreement on Ukraine. He called for caution in assessing the prospects for the upcoming negotiations in Abu Dhabi.
"I will be careful. Abu Dhabi is only the first step and one of the results of these negotiations should be a follow-up discussion soon."
The agenda for negotiations in Abu Dhabi may include a ceasefire in the Black Sea, stopping attacks on energy infrastructure, freezing the front line and exchanging prisoners.
The phone call with the Russian president was rational.
"It was a conversation where we agreed on the principles - we will not interfere, we will stick to the statements. His (Vladimir Putin's) arguments were stated quite clearly."
US intervention in European security issues is unacceptable neither for Norway nor for other European countries.
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