The call focused exclusively on the war in Ukraine. According to the Kremlin, Putin explained to Niinistö “the reasons and objectives of the special operation.”
11.3. 15:27 • Updated March 11th. 17:03
President Sauli Niinistö has spoken on the phone with the Russian president Vladimir Putin with the situation in Ukraine.
The call focused exclusively on the war in Ukraine.
According to the Office of the President of the Republic, Niinistö emphasized the worsening catastrophe in Ukraine and the deep human suffering that is strongly influencing Western opinion as well.
Niinistö emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire and the safe evacuation of civilians along humanitarian corridors.
He also highlighted the safety of nuclear power plants in Ukraine.
Niinistö says on Twitter that the conversation lasted an hour.
Niinistö discussed earlier in the day with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky with. They discussed the war situation in Ukraine and Finland’s assistance and support to Ukraine.
There was also a need to ensure the safe evacuation of civilians along humanitarian corridors and the safety of nuclear installations.
The Presidents agreed to continue contacts.
Niinistö also told Putin about the conversation with Ukrainian President Zelensky and highlighted Zelensky’s readiness to speak directly with President Putin.
Following these calls, Niinistö said on Twitter that he had also discussed the Swedish prime minister Magdalena Anderssonin cooperation on security policy.
Kremlin: Putin explained to Niinistö the reasons and objectives of the “special military operation”
According to the Kremlin, Putin explained in detail to Niinistö the reasons and objectives of Russia’s “special military operation to protect Donbass” and informed about the peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
Throughout the attack, Russia has claimed that instead of war, it is conducting a “special military operation” in Ukraine.
In its statement, the Kremlin stressed that the presidents paid special attention to humanitarian issues, measures to ensure the safety of the civilian population, and issues related to the organization of humanitarian corridors for the evacuation of civilians.
According to the Kremlin, Russia and Finland are continuing discussions on the situation in Ukraine.
Experts: Finland is unlikely to take on the role of mediator in the war in Ukraine
– We have seen that, despite everything, it has been considered important to try to keep in touch with Russia. Of the Europeans, President Macron and Chancellor Sholz have done so. I have heard from both of them outright the obligation to contact Putin, if there is such a connection, Niinistö said.
At the press conference, Niinistö considered it important to prevent the spread of the Ukrainian war to the rest of Europe.
However, experts interviewed by estimated on Friday morning that Finland does not intend to take on the role of mediator in the war in Ukraine.
The Russian invasion began two weeks ago
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began more than two weeks ago. Russia is hitting cities all over Ukraine.
You can discuss this topic until Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 11 p.m.