Putin courts Africa at Moscow summit as Russia seeks greater influence

Finnish President Alexander Stubb has rejected reports claiming Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered an extended lecture on medieval Slavic history during an Oct. 27 telephone call. Stubb stated that the call was initiated alongside Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre at Ukraine’s request to open a direct channel to Moscow. Stubb underscored that Finland does not act as a neutral mediator but backs Ukraine 100 percent, a position communicated directly to Putin.