Finland, Norway leaders call Putin to discuss Ukraine peace talks

Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on October 27, discussing prospects for peace negotiations in Ukraine. The call was initiated by the Nordic leaders, who acted on behalf of their respective countries rather than representing Europe as a collective entity. Both leaders emphasized that direct dialogue with Russia is essential to end the war, and noted their geographic position as neighbors to Russia gives them a stake in the conflict's outcome and regional stability.

The conversation follows diplomatic momentum generated by recent meetings in Oslo on October 20, where US Special Envoy Steve Witcoff met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Stubb, Støre, and Jared Kushner. Witcoff subsequently traveled to Saint Petersburg to meet Putin. The Nordic leaders also spoke with Zelenskyy on the same day as their Putin call, relaying Ukraine's position ahead of planned tripartite talks scheduled for Abu Dhabi after November 4.

Finnish officials described the discussion as frank and substantive, with Stubb stressing the need for continued direct engagement. Norweigian officials highlighted Store's emphasis on de-escalation. Both leaders also raised concerns about stability in the Baltic Sea region and the High North. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the call and noted that a detailed statement on the outcome was being prepared. This marks the first direct contact between Putin and European leaders supporting Ukraine since French President Emmanuel Macron's July 2023 call with Putin.