Norway and Finland hold rare phone call with Putin: What that means

What happened: The leaders of Norway and Finland held a rare 90 minute call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to push for an end to the war in Ukraine, ahead of US-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi next month. Key numbers: Call lasted 90 minutes. Abu Dhabi talks planned for next month. US diesel costs doubled this year. US-Ukraine ties at lowest point in 18 months. Why it matters: The call breaks with a Western European policy of avoiding direct talks with Putin. Some European leaders reacted with scepticism, warning that Europe should stay united rather than pursue solo diplomatic approaches. Coverage: 7 outlets in 24h

The leaders of Norway and Finland held a rare 90 minute call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to push for an end to the war in Ukraine, ahead of US-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi next month.

The call breaks with a Western European policy of avoiding direct talks with Putin. Some European leaders reacted with scepticism, warning that Europe should stay united rather than pursue solo diplomatic approaches.