Stubb denies Putin lectured him and Støre on Slavic history

Finnish President Alexander Stubb has denied a Financial Times report that Russian President Vladimir Putin spent a phone call with him and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre lecturing them on the history of the Slavs. Stubb called the information untrue. The matter is significant because the call is part of European efforts to keep a channel open to Moscow during Russia's war in Ukraine.

The Financial Times reported that Putin devoted most of the 27 October call with the Finnish and Norwegian leaders to the history of the Slavs in the Middle Ages. In an interview with Finnish public broadcaster Yle, Stubb said: "It does not correspond to reality, it is incorrect information."

Call made at Ukraine's request

According to Stubb, he and Støre approached Putin at the request of the Ukrainian side. He described it as opening a communication channel and added that the timing of the call was well chosen.

Stubb pointed to the question of whether US foreign policy toward Russia and Ukraine matches Finland's interests. In his view, this needs to be considered, and in that sense the call came at a suitable moment.

Differences with the US approach

Stubb noted that European and American policies currently differ in nuance. The European Union supports Ukraine, while the United States has chosen the role of mediator in peace negotiations.

The Finnish president stressed that Finland is not a mediator and supports Ukraine 100%. He said this position was also conveyed to Putin.