Finland, Norway relay Zelensky's request for direct talks to Putin; Kremlin invites him to Moscow

Finnish and Norwegian leaders have established a direct diplomatic channel with Russian President Putin, coordinating with Ukraine and the USA, to discuss limiting energy infrastructure strikes and preparing for trilateral Russia-Ukraine-US negotiations in Abu Dhabi. While the Kremlin claims Zelenskyy's interest in direct talks and extended an invitation to Moscow, the substance of these discussions and concrete commitments remain largely undisclosed. This marks a notable, albeit cautious, shift toward de-escalation and renewed diplomatic engagement.