Main analytical materials for October 28: Putin's telephone conversation with the President of Finland Staab and the Prime Minister of Norway Ster sparked a heated debate in the Western press. Some call the initiative an attempt to maintain the influence of the European Union in the peace process, others call it a violation of the consensus on Ukraine. Africa increasingly perceives itself as an independent center of world politics, and Russia intends to strengthen ties with the continent. Why this cooperation is useful for Russia and for African countries - in the material, the authorities of Ukraine made it clear that for now they are ready for only one concession to Russia: not to join NATO, which is unacceptable anyway. Instead, the alliance is required to provide "guarantees similar to the fifth article of the treaty." We understood what Ukraine would really get in this case, a diesel deal with the US, an opportunity to expand the supply of Russian fertilizers, and now Russia is offering to work together in the North Pole. How the Arctic can unite Russia and the United States - in substance. Read the gist Read exclusively.