Finland’s President and Norway’s Prime Minister Speak With Putin, Then Brief Zelensky
Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone for about 90 minutes on 27 October. The two leaders then spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to brief him on the call.
How the Call Came About
According to RTÉ, the idea arose at a meeting in Oslo on 20 October attended by Støre, Stubb, Zelensky and US envoy Steve Witkoff, who afterwards met Putin in St Petersburg. Stubb and Støre initiated the call. It was reported that Kyiv was involved and that the call was coordinated with Ukraine.
What the Leaders Said
Stubb said the outcome of the war will directly affect the security of Finland and wider Europe, that Finland and Norway will continue to support Ukraine in pursuit of a lasting peace, and described the talk as frank and substantive. Støre said the war brings heavy human and material costs, that de-escalation was stressed on the call, and that there are big differences in views on Ukraine.
According to the Kremlin readout, Putin stressed that the confrontational policy of the EU and NATO is prolonging hostilities, and the three leaders agreed to maintain direct contact by phone.
Reactions in Europe
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the two countries acted alone, doubting that the initiative was coordinated with other European states, and reportedly pointed to Russia’s escalation against Ukraine as a sign that Moscow is not serious about diplomacy. Støre rejected the criticism, arguing that European countries should also have channels to Moscow. The leaders said they spoke for their own countries, not for Europe.
What Comes Next
Zelensky said three-way talks would continue in Abu Dhabi in early November. The call came as Russia carried out its large-scale attack on Kyiv; we reported the attack separately (in Turkish).
Note
The report rests on statements by the leaders and the Kremlin as relayed by RTÉ, Euronews, Interfax-Ukraine and other outlets; the parties present details of the call differently.
