Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo refused to criticize attempts by… (россия · переговоры · финляндия)
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo refused to criticize attempts by European Council President Antonio Costa to establish a communication channel with Russia. Media outlets reported on Mr. Costa's efforts to set up diplomatic contact with Russia this week, after which he himself confirmed the information.
Consensus
- Finland's Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen stated that now is not the appropriate time for negotiations with Russia.
- Most EU leaders, including Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, support the view that the current moment is not suitable for dialogue with Russia.
- The initiative to open a diplomatic channel with Russia was discussed at the EU summit on June 18.
- Russia has expressed openness to dialogue with Europe, according to Kremlin sources.
Points of divergence
- Finland's Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen believes that the timing of negotiations depends on the situation on the front lines in Ukraine and Russia's willingness to engage. — fontanka
- President of Finland Alexander Stubb previously stated that Europe should establish communication with Russia within two months. — fontanka
- The Finnish Foreign Minister mentioned that the NATO summit in Ankara in July could be a venue for broader discussions. — fontanka
- Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo supports the idea of maintaining an open diplomatic channel with Russia, despite criticism of the initiative by Antoni Kostas. — kommersant
- Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kuldberggs believes that diplomatic channels are meaningless if Russia does not wish to participate in diplomacy. — kommersant
- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron oppose the current timing for negotiations with Russia and advocate for leadership from the 'Eurogroup' (France, Germany, UK). — kommersant
Coverage (2 sources)
- Finland's Foreign Minister Makes Unexpected Statement on Talks with Russia — Фонтанка
- HS: Finnish PM refuses to agree with Latvian on Russia negotiations — Коммерсантъ