Alexander Stubb and Jonas Gahr Støre urged Moscow to move toward peace negotiations, then spoke with Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The unusual diplomatic initiative has exposed differing views in Europe over how to engage Russia.

HELSINKI, October 27, 2026 — Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre held a direct telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, urging an end to the war in Ukraine and renewed diplomatic efforts to establish peace.

The call marked an unusual step for Western European leaders, most of whom have largely avoided direct contact with the Kremlin since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

According to the Finnish and Norwegian governments, the conversation focused on Russia’s war, the diplomatic process and the need to restore peace and stability in Europe. The two leaders subsequently spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The initiative comes as preparations continue for U.S.-mediated technical-level negotiations involving Russia and Ukraine, expected to take place in Abu Dhabi in early November.

However, the conversations have not produced a peace agreement, and Moscow has given no indication that it is prepared to abandon its existing demands.

Why Did Finland and Norway Contact Putin?

Finland and Norway share borders with Russia and have direct interests in the security of northern Europe and the Baltic Sea region.

Both governments remain supporters of Ukraine, and their leaders said their intention was to communicate directly with Putin about the negotiations needed to end the war.

Stubb described the discussion as frank and substantive, arguing that the outcome of the conflict would have a direct impact on the security of Finland and Europe more broadly.

Støre emphasized the human and material costs of the war and the need to reduce tensions.

The Finnish presidency confirmed that the call was organized in consultation with Ukraine and followed a meeting in Oslo on October 20. That earlier meeting involved diplomatic discussions connected to efforts to restart negotiations.

The leaders also made clear that they were acting on behalf of their own countries, not as representatives of Europe as a whole.

That distinction is important. Although Finland and Norway are both committed to supporting Ukraine, their decision to speak directly with Putin does not amount to a unified European diplomatic initiative.

What Did Putin Say?

The Kremlin’s account of the conversation offered little evidence of a change in Russia’s position.

According to the Russian statement, Putin argued that a lasting settlement would require Russia’s interests to be fully taken into account. The Kremlin also criticized what it described as confrontational policies by the European Union and NATO.

Reuters reported that a source close to the Kremlin said Putin reiterated Russia’s objective of capturing the entire Donbas region. That account was attributed to the source and was not presented as an independently verified transcript of the call.

The gap between the positions remains substantial. Ukraine has rejected demands that would undermine its sovereignty, while Russia continues to insist that its security and territorial claims must be addressed in any settlement.

The diplomatic contact therefore represents an attempt to influence the process, rather than evidence that the two sides have reached common ground.

Zelenskyy Was Contacted After the Putin Call

Following their conversation with Putin, Stubb and Støre spoke with Zelenskyy.

The Ukrainian president welcomed the diplomatic engagement and stressed the need for concrete steps toward de-escalation, particularly concerning attacks on energy facilities and infrastructure.

The discussions also took place as Ukraine, Russia and the United States prepared for further negotiations in Abu Dhabi.

The planned meetings are significant because they could bring the parties back into a U.S.-mediated negotiating format after earlier efforts failed to deliver a comprehensive settlement.

Nevertheless, diplomatic contacts alone do not guarantee progress. The outcome will depend on the terms presented by the parties, the security arrangements under discussion and whether each side is willing to make compromises.

Denmark Questions the Approach

The initiative also revealed disagreement over how European governments should conduct diplomacy with Moscow.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen criticized the decision by the Finnish and Norwegian leaders to contact Putin, arguing that European countries should remain coordinated rather than pursue separate initiatives.

Frederiksen also questioned whether Russia was genuinely prepared to pursue peace.

Her criticism reflects a broader challenge for European governments: how to maintain pressure on Russia and support Ukraine while ensuring that Europe has a meaningful role in negotiations led largely by Washington.

Some governments see direct contact as necessary to communicate demands and influence the diplomatic process. Others worry that uncoordinated engagement could weaken Europe’s collective position.

Stubb and Støre, however, stressed that their initiative was conducted in their national capacities and did not replace their continued support for Ukraine.

Why This Matters for European Security

The war has fundamentally altered the security environment in northern and eastern Europe. Finland and Norway have particular reasons to monitor developments because of their geography and proximity to Russia.

Any future settlement could affect military planning, border security, regional cooperation and the relationship between Russia and NATO members.

For the United States, the talks are also relevant because Washington remains central to efforts to bring Russia and Ukraine into negotiations. The diplomatic role of European governments could become more significant if the next round of talks produces concrete proposals.

For now, however, the main question remains whether diplomatic engagement can narrow the divide between Moscow and Kyiv.

What Happens Next?

The immediate focus is on preparations for the expected U.S.-mediated talks in Abu Dhabi in early November.

Observers will be watching for signs that Russia is prepared to modify its demands, whether Ukraine receives credible security assurances and whether European governments can coordinate their positions more effectively.

The October 27 phone call demonstrates that direct communication with Putin remains possible, even after years of strained relations. It also shows that European leaders disagree about the best way to use that channel.

The contact is a diplomatic development, not a breakthrough. Until the parties agree on substantive terms and demonstrate a willingness to implement them, the war’s outcome remains uncertain.

US & GLOBAL REPORT will continue following the negotiations, the positions of the parties and the implications for European and transatlantic security.

SOURCES

• Reuters — Leaders of Norway and Finland call Putin in break with previous European stance
• Office of the President of Finland — Official statement, October 27, 2026
• Norwegian Government — Official statement, October 27, 2026
• Euronews — Finnish and Norwegian leaders call Putin, urge restart of peace talks