Friday. 29.03.2024

Sauli Niinistö had a long phone call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Tuesday evening.

According to a statement from the office of the President of the Republic of Finland, both leaders spoke about the tense situation on the Crimean peninsula and at the border between Russia and Ukraine.

Niinistö expressed his serious concern over an escalation of the situation due to the troop movements and raised the need for dialogue and actions to reduce tensions.

For his part, Putin told about his conversation with US President Biden, and also about the planned meeting of the two presidents.

Navalny case

Niinistö also informed of his initiative to strengthen the 50-year-old Helsinki Spirit in 2025, and "it was discussed in a positive tone," the presidential office says.

In addition, the prison conditions of Alexei Navalny were discussed.

Niinistö conveys 'serious concern' to Putin over escalation in Ukraine