A rare diplomatic conversation has placed Finland and Norway at the centre of renewed efforts to address Russia’s war in Ukraine. The leaders of the two Nordic countries held a joint 90-minute call with Vladimir Putin to discuss possible future negotiations, while stressing that they were not speaking on behalf of Europe as a whole.
The conversation comes as Ukraine, Russia and the United States prepare to resume three-way discussions, with a further meeting expected in Abu Dhabi in November. The initiative highlights growing European debate over whether direct contact with Moscow could help create a path towards peace.
Finland and Norway discuss Ukraine peace negotiations
Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre initiated the call to discuss Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, diplomatic efforts to end the conflict and wider European security.
Both leaders described the exchange as direct and serious. Stubb said the war’s outcome would have a direct impact on the security of Finland, Norway and Europe more broadly. Støre also warned that the conflict had created enormous human and material costs, with its effects likely to be felt for generations.
Finland and Norway share borders with Russia, giving them a particularly close interest in the future of European security. However, their offices made clear that the call was an individual initiative rather than a discussion conducted on behalf of all European governments.
Putin says Russia’s interests must be considered
According to the Kremlin, Putin told the Nordic leaders that a just and lasting peace would only be possible if Russia’s interests were taken into account. Moscow has repeatedly argued that European support for Ukraine and NATO policies are prolonging the war.
After the conversation, Putin said what he described as confrontational policies from the European Union and NATO were contributing to the continuation of the conflict. European governments and Ukraine, however, have consistently argued that Russia bears responsibility for the invasion and that any peace process must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Despite significant differences, the three leaders reportedly agreed to maintain direct communication. That decision could provide another channel for discussing the conditions surrounding future negotiations.
Zelensky responds to Nordic diplomatic contact
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with Stubb and Støre after their call with Putin. He thanked both leaders for what he described as their active support and discussed possible ways European partners could assist diplomacy, Ukraine’s defence and shared security.
The November trilateral meeting in Abu Dhabi was also part of the discussions. Ukraine, Russia and the United States recently agreed to restart negotiations after months without formal three-way talks. The renewed process follows meetings involving Zelensky, the Nordic leaders and US special envoy Steve Witkoff in Oslo.
The diplomatic activity comes during a period of uncertainty in relations between Washington, Kyiv and European capitals. Reports that the United States had eased some sanctions affecting Russian oil exports have contributed to concern among European allies, while several leaders have argued that Europe should establish its own direct contact with the Kremlin.
European leaders divided over the initiative
Not all European governments welcomed the phone call. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said she was highly sceptical and stated that the conversation had not been coordinated with other European leaders.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, meanwhile, said Stubb had described Europe’s position on the upcoming talks as moderately optimistic. The differing reactions reflect a wider disagreement over the role Europe should play in any peace process.
- Some governments favour direct diplomatic engagement with Moscow.
- Others fear separate contacts could weaken a unified European position.
- Ukraine continues to seek sustained military, political and security support.
- Any settlement is likely to depend on guarantees and the treatment of occupied Ukrainian territory.
Why the call matters for European security
Finland and Norway are among the European countries most directly exposed to developments involving Russia. Their geography, defence policies and close cooperation with NATO make the future of the Ukraine war a major national security concern.
The call also marks a notable change in high-level European communication with Putin. Stubb and Støre are the first European leaders known to have contacted him since French President Emmanuel Macron spoke with the Russian president in July 2025.
Whether the conversation produces practical progress remains uncertain. Putin’s emphasis on Russian interests and European governments’ insistence on Ukrainian sovereignty indicate that major disagreements remain. Still, continued communication could help clarify positions before the next round of talks.
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What happens next?
The next major test will be whether the planned Abu Dhabi negotiations can move beyond preliminary contact. The participation and influence of European governments may become a central issue, particularly as leaders debate how to support Ukraine while exploring diplomatic options.
For now, the Finland-Norway call represents an attempt to keep communication open at a time of deep mistrust. It does not signal agreement between Russia, Ukraine or Europe, but it may become part of a broader effort to determine whether negotiations can eventually produce a durable peace.
The key takeaway: Finland and Norway have opened a rare direct channel to Putin, but the continuing divide over Russia’s demands, Ukraine’s security and Europe’s role means that meaningful progress remains difficult.