Europe should talk directly with Russia - Staab.
Finnish President Alexander Staab defended his decision to have a telephone conversation with Vladimir Putin. According to him, if Europe wants to participate in the negotiations, it cannot remain on the sidelines and must communicate directly with the Russian side.
Staab called the conversation with Putin, which took place at the end of October with the participation of the Prime Minister of Norway, "a good and honest conversation." He described the Russian leader as "very insightful, analytical, well prepared and completely calm." The Finnish president also noted that Vladimir Putin knows how to listen, and Europe should not transfer responsibility for its security to the United States.
"The most important thing is not to transfer responsibility for European security to the United States," Staub said.
In his opinion, European countries should evaluate whether the American policy towards Russia and Ukraine is in line with their interests, and if necessary, be more involved in the negotiation process.