Putin speaks with Norwegian and Finnish leaders

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently had a phone call with leaders from Norway and Finland, marking the first such high-level contact in over a year. This comes as Russia and Ukraine gear up for US-brokered peace talks, suggesting an effort to ease tensions on the conflict's front lines. The call underscores the geopolitical complexities surrounding the region, as both Norway and Finland navigate their stances amid the ongoing crisis. This move could potentially pave the way for broader diplomatic efforts to resolve the protracted conflict.