Finland and Norway contact Putin. Calls for de-escalation and negotiations
Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The topics included the war in Ukraine, diplomatic efforts and the possibility of resuming negotiations. The conversation took place on 27 October in Helsinki and was conducted in consultation with Ukraine.
In the photo: Jonas Gahr Støre and Alexander Stubb during a phone call with Vladimir Putin (27 October 2026).
Fot. Emmi Syrjäniemi, materiały prasowe Kancelarii Prezydenta Finlandii
The contact with Putin followed a meeting held in Oslo on 20 October. Stubb and Støre themselves initiated the conversation, seeking to present the Russian president directly with their position on future negotiations and ending the war. The conversation was also connected with a planned meeting in Abu Dhabi.
Talks on ending the war. An Abu Dhabi meeting in the background
Finland and Norway share borders with Russia. Since the beginning of the war, both countries have remained strong supporters of continued support for Ukraine, and during the conversation their leaders stressed the need to return to negotiations. Stubb and Støre spoke as leaders of their respective countries. They did not represent all of Europe.
One of the main topics was the future of the diplomatic process. Stubb and Støre conveyed to Putin their position on measures that could lead to ending the war and reducing tensions. The Finnish president described the conversation as direct and substantive. He also noted that the outcome of the war would have direct implications for the security of Finland, Norway and all of Europe.
One of the main topics was the future of the diplomatic process. Stubb and Støre conveyed to Putin their position on measures that could lead to ending the war and reducing tensions. The Finnish president described the conversation as direct and substantive. He also noted that the outcome of the war would have direct implications for the security of Finland, Norway and all of Europe.
Regional security on the table. Finland and Norway speak of stability
The conversation also addressed the situation in the Baltic Sea region and northern Europe. Finland and Norway share an interest in maintaining stability and predictability in these areas, which was presented directly during the contact with Putin. Both countries have long declared their commitment to peace and security in the region. This issue was also among the topics discussed.
Støre drew attention to the human and material costs of the war. He stressed that the suffering and destruction would have consequences for future generations, which is why the conversation highlighted the importance of actions leading to de-escalation. At the same time, Stubb and Støre announced the continuation of long-term support for Ukraine. In their view, the war should end and negotiations must resume.
Støre drew attention to the human and material costs of the war. He stressed that the suffering and destruction would have consequences for future generations, which is why the conversation highlighted the importance of actions leading to de-escalation. At the same time, Stubb and Støre announced the continuation of long-term support for Ukraine. In their view, the war should end and negotiations must resume.
Stubb and Støre took part in the conversation from Helsinki. The contact with Putin was one element of diplomatic efforts conducted ahead of the planned meeting in Abu Dhabi. Finland and Norway want to continue combining support for Ukraine with efforts to ensure security and stability in Russia’s immediate neighbourhood.
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