Finnish Pres Niinisto Tells Putin: Zelensky Ready For Talks

Finnish President Sauli Niinistö and Russian President Vladimir Putin have just completed a call on the war in Ukraine.

• The Office of the President of Finland released this statement:
  • 'In the conversation that focused exclusively on the war in Ukraine, President Niinistö stressed the worsening catastrophe and the deep human suffering in Ukraine, which also has a strong influence on the public opinion in the West. President Niinistö underscored the need to achieve an immediate ceasefire and to ensure a safe evacuation of civilians through humanitarian corridors.'
• • 'President Niinistö told about the conversation he had had earlier on the same day with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and brought up, once more, President Zelensky’s preparedness to talk directly with President Putin.'
• The call comes amidst growing calls in Finland for NATO membership. In response, Russia warned Finland of severe consequences of such a move.
• Last week NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg confirmed that Finland and Sweden are now party to all NATO discussions on Ukraine but not subject to NATO mutual security policy.
• The next high-level talk is expected to take place between Putin and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz within the next few days.