Finnish and Norwegian Leaders Call Putin Over Ukraine War

Finland's President Alexander Stubb and Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, to discuss Russia's war against Ukraine and diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. The leaders spoke from Helsinki in a follow-up to their October 20 meeting in Oslo, coordinating their approach with Ukraine ahead of expected trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi.

According to a statement from Stubb's office, the conversation focused on conveying messages directly to Putin about future negotiations. The planned meetings in Abu Dhabi are expected to bring together Russia, Ukraine and the United States in early November.

Finland and Norway, both neighboring Russia and supporters of Ukraine, used the discussion to emphasize the need to resume negotiations, end the war and promote stability in Europe. Their governments also highlighted shared security interests in the Baltic Sea region and the High North.

Stubb described the exchange as substantive and emphasized the need for direct engagement with Moscow. The Finnish president said the consequences of the war extend beyond Ukraine to the security of neighboring countries and the wider European region.

"The discussion was frank and substantive. We are neighbouring countries to Russia. The outcome of this war will have a direct impact on our and the broader European security. Ending the war requires direct discussions," said Stubb, President of Finland.

Stubb's office said the call was conducted by the two Nordic leaders in their national capacities rather than as representatives of Europe as a whole. Finland and Norway also reaffirmed their longstanding commitment to supporting Ukraine while pursuing diplomatic efforts to end the fighting.

Støre stressed the human and material toll of the conflict, warning that its consequences would persist across generations. The Norwegian prime minister said reducing tensions was an important part of the leaders' message to Putin.

"The war comes with enormous human and material costs. The suffering and destruction will impact generations. In the call we stressed the importance of de-escalation," said Støre, Prime Minister of Norway.

The conversation followed the October 20 meeting in Oslo, which Stubb and Støre hosted in connection with diplomatic discussions involving the United States and Ukraine. The upcoming meetings in Abu Dhabi are the next anticipated step in the efforts to advance negotiations among Russia, Ukraine and the United States.