Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre held a joint 90-minute phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. The leaders urged an end to the war in Ukraine, marking a departure from the recent European practice of shunning direct contact with the Kremlin. Following the call, the two Nordic leaders briefed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on their conversation.
The initiative occurred amid shifting diplomatic dynamics, including a reported change in U.S. President Donald Trump's stance toward Russia and a period of strained U.S.-Ukraine relations. The call preceded scheduled peace discussions between the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine set to take place in Abu Dhabi next month. Stubb stated that the call was "frank and substantive," emphasizing that Finland and Norway's proximity to Russia gives them a direct stake in European security.
The Kremlin's readout of the call indicated no change in Vladimir Putin's stated positions, noting that a "just and long-term peace" is only possible if Russia's interests are "fully and unconditionally taken into account." The Kremlin also criticized EU and NATO policies for contributing to the prolongation of hostilities. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the outreach was coordinated with Kyiv, while other European leaders, including Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, expressed skepticism, suggesting that such "solo" efforts could undermine European unity.
The scale of the conflict remains high, with reported human and material costs impacting generations. The initiative follows recent shifts in U.S. policy, including the easing of some sanctions and an agreement for Russia to supply diesel to the United States. A specific localized ceasefire in the town of Oleshky was noted by Ukrainian officials as a potential starting point for broader peace steps.
Immediate next steps involve the trilateral talks scheduled for November 2026 in Abu Dhabi. European allies remain divided on the utility of this Nordic initiative, with Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson noting that other leaders were not informed in advance. The Kremlin continues to insist on its goal of capturing the Donbas region. Further diplomatic clarity is expected following the Abu Dhabi negotiations next month.