Finnish and Norwegian leaders call Putin, urge restart of peace talks
- On Tuesday, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere held phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- Stubb and Stoere emphasized their role as national leaders rather than representing Europe as a whole, with the calls addressing upcoming meetings in Abu Dhabi.
- Last week, Stoere and Stubb met Steve Witkoff and Zelenskyy in Oslo, a day before Witkoff held discussions with Putin in Petersburg.
- Following the Putin-Witkoff talks, The Kremlin stated Russia is willing to resume peace discussions with Ukraine in November for the first time since February.
- Stubb said "ending the war requires direct discussions," noting the conflict's outcome impacts European security, while Russia contrasts its engagement with President Donald Trump against Western European leaders.
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Putin spoke to Nordic leaders after a year of silence, in full humanitarian truce in Ukraine and diplomatic momentum between the US and Moscow.
Alexander Stubb and Jonas Gahr Støre conveyed to Moscow Volodymyr Zelensky's desire to meet Vladimir Putin. The Russian President replied that he will only accept a meeting when there is a peace agreement ready to be signed. The contact also marked the return of direct talks between European leaders and the Kremlin, interrupted since July 2025.
Finland and Norway Held ‘Frank and Substantive’ Phone Call With Putin, Finnish President Says
(L-R) US envoy Steve Witkoff, Finland's President Alexander Stubb, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store pose before their meeting in Oslo, Norway, on October 20, 2026. (Heiko Junge / NTB / AFP via Getty Images)
Norway, Finland leaders hold 'frank and substantive' talk with Putin
"The outcome of this war will have a direct impact on our and the broader European security. Ending the war requires direct discussions," President Alexander Stubb said in a joint statement with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store
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