Helsinki, October 28, 2026

Finland and Norway have launched a renewed diplomatic effort to influence negotiations over the war in Ukraine after their leaders held a rare, approximately 90-minute telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on October

Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre initiated the call to urge progress toward ending the conflict and restoring stability across Europe. The conversation was coordinated with Ukraine and linked to preparations for possible discussions involving Russian, Ukrainian and American representatives in Abu Dhabi in early November. <Cite refs={[“turn398261search0″,”turn398261news8”]}/>

Nordic Leaders Call for Meaningful Negotiations

Stubb and Støre emphasised that the war has serious consequences for European security and continues to impose enormous human and economic costs.

Both leaders stressed the need for de-escalation and renewed negotiations. Finland and Norway also reiterated their commitment to supporting Ukraine as diplomatic efforts continue.

The outreach marks an important attempt by two European countries that share borders with Russia to establish direct communication with the Kremlin at a critical stage of the conflict. <Cite refs={[“turn398261search1″,”turn398261search3”]}/>

Ukraine Welcomes the Diplomatic Initiative

Following the conversation with Putin, the Finnish and Norwegian leaders spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the exchange.

Kyiv welcomed the initiative, describing it as a constructive contribution to ongoing diplomatic efforts. Ukraine has continued to call for concrete steps to reduce Russian attacks, particularly against energy infrastructure and other essential facilities.

The involvement of Ukraine in coordinating the outreach was significant, as it indicated that the discussions were intended to support the existing peace process rather than establish a separate agreement behind Kyiv’s back. <Cite refs={[“turn398261search7″,”turn398261search3”]}/>

Moscow Shows No Clear Sign of Changing Its Position

Despite the diplomatic contact, there was little indication that the conversation had produced a breakthrough.

The Kremlin maintained that any lasting settlement must take Russian security demands and interests into account. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also dismissed the call as offering little that was new.

Meanwhile, some European leaders expressed reservations about the initiative, arguing that direct conversations with Moscow must not weaken European unity or reduce pressure on Russia to end the war. <Cite refs={[“turn398261search4″,”turn398261search5”]}/>

Upcoming Talks Could Test the Prospects for Peace

The next potential milestone is a planned round of discussions involving Russian, Ukrainian and American officials in Abu Dhabi. If the meetings proceed, they could provide an opportunity to examine possible measures for reducing hostilities and restarting negotiations.

However, major disagreements remain over territory, security guarantees and the conditions required for a durable settlement.

The Nordic initiative has reopened a direct channel of communication, but whether that contact can translate into meaningful progress remains uncertain.