Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre held a phone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin on October 27 at their own initiative. Following the conversation, they spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss further diplomatic steps, including preparations for trilateral talks involving Ukraine, the United States and Russia.
According to the Finnish president’s office, the call was a follow-up to a meeting held in Oslo on October 20. Before contacting Putin, Stubb and Støre consulted with Ukrainian officials.
The main topics included Russia’s war against Ukraine, diplomatic efforts to end the conflict and the need for de-escalation.
Zelensky said the European leaders had raised the issue of ending Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy facilities and infrastructure during their conversation with Putin.
“Alex and Jonas made it clear to the Russian leader that genuine steps toward de-escalation are needed regarding our energy sector and infrastructure,” the Ukrainian president said.
According to Zelensky, the leaders also discussed preparations for a trilateral meeting between Ukrainian, American and Russian delegations, scheduled for November.
“Finland and Norway, as countries that share borders with Russia, have a particular interest in sound and reliable security arrangements,” Zelensky emphasized.
The Ukrainian president thanked Stubb and Støre for providing a detailed briefing on their conversation with Putin and for supporting international peace efforts.
Meanwhile, the Finnish president said direct dialogue with Russia was necessary to bring the war to an end, as its consequences affect security across Europe.
The Norwegian prime minister stressed the importance of de-escalation. Both leaders reaffirmed their countries’ continued support for Ukraine and emphasized that diplomatic negotiations must continue.
Stubb and Støre also clarified that they had spoken with Putin solely on behalf of their respective countries, rather than representing Europe as a whole.
“There must be peace, de-escalation is essential, and Russia must stop prolonging the war,” Zelensky concluded.
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