HELSINKI — President of Finland Alexander Stubb and Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre held a telephone conversation with President of Russia Vladimir Putin on October 27, 2026. The leaders discussed Russia's war against Ukraine and diplomatic efforts to end the war.

The call was initiated by the Finnish and Norwegian sides, who spoke from Helsinki. It served as a follow-up to a meeting in Oslo on October 20, 2026, and was held in consultation with Ukraine. The aim of the call was to convey messages directly regarding future negotiations to help end the war to President Putin, though Stubb and Støre did not speak on behalf of Europe as a whole.

"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," President Stubb said.

Stubb and Støre emphasized that the war must end and negotiations resume, while reaffirming that Finland and Norway will continue their support for Ukraine. "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," Prime Minister Støre said.

Vladimir Putin notified the Finnish and Norwegian parties that a US-mediated humanitarian operation was underway in the vicinity of the Russian community of Alyoshki. He stated that a temporary ceasefire was introduced in the Kherson sector of the frontline to enable the humanitarian operation.

The call included an exchange of views on settling the Ukraine crisis in light of Vladimir Putin's talks with US Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff in St Petersburg on October 21. It also covered Alexander Stubb and Jonas Gahr Støre's recent contacts with Steve Witkoff and Volodymyr Zelensky in Oslo. The parties discussed security in the Baltic Sea region and the High North, with Stubb and Støre reaffirming the importance of upholding international maritime law and the freedom of navigation.

The parties welcomed the agreement to resume trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States in Abu Dhabi in early to mid November. These talks are intended to discuss ways to ensure the security of both Russia and Ukraine once a complete cessation of hostilities is reached. The three leaders agreed to maintain direct telephone contact in the future.

What's New

Vladimir Putin assessed the current situation in the Ukraine conflict zone, reiterating its root causes. He stated that a just and lasting peace would be possible only if the interests of the Russian Federation are considered in full and without any conditions attached. He noted the EU and NATO's confrontational policies which he said result in prolonging the hostilities.