Russia's invasion of Ukraine is a brutal attack on a free country and an innocent nation that is now subjected to unimaginable suffering. I called on the president to end hostilities in Ukraine, withdraw Russian forces and ensure humanitarian access. I emphasized in particular that the civilian population in Mariupol must have access to humanitarian aid and that the war must have a negotiated solution, says Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

The war forced nearly four million people to flee Ukraine, and nearly 6,5 million are internally displaced in Ukraine.

- We are deeply concerned about the great suffering caused by the Russian invasion. We have to do our best to find a negotiated solution to this war, says Støre.

It was important for us to convey our views on the war directly to the Russian President

It was Prime Minister Støre who initiated the conversation after discussing the initiative with allies in the Nordic countries, Europe and the USA. Yesterday afternoon, Prime Minister Støre also held a video interview with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Sjmyhal.

- Russia is our neighboring country. Therefore, it was important for us to convey our views on the war directly to the President of Russia. We have very sober expectations of what we can achieve, but in the situation we find ourselves in, nothing should go unchecked. Suffering must end. Our most important message was that the Russian war must end, says Støre.

Photo Chancellery of the Prime Minister.

Source: regjeringen

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