Norway's Prime Minister does not rule out new phone call with Putin after first contact involving Stubb

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has stated that a new telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, involving Finnish President Alexander Stubb, is indeed possible. According to RBC-Ukraine citing NRK, he said this following their first such contact which took place on October 27, 2026. "I am very glad that Norway and Finland accepted this challenge, and I do not rule out that we will have another conversation," Støre emphasized, referring to the initiation of direct dialogue with the head of the Kremlin.

First contact: what was discussed on October 27

The telephone conversation in question took place on October 27, 2026, and lasted about 90 minutes. According to the Finnish President's Office, Stubb and Stere initiated the conversation to discuss the conflict in Ukraine, the need for de-escalation, and Northern European security. During the conversation, Vladimir Putin outlined his assessment of the situation on the front line, recalled the so-called "root causes of the war," and stated that long-term peace is only possible if Russia's interests are taken into account. The parties also welcomed the agreement to resume trilateral negotiations between Ukraine, the US, and Russia in Abu Dhabi.

Assessments of the conversation: substance and disagreements

Jonas Gahr Støre characterized the conversation as substantive while acknowledging significant disagreements between the participants. The Finnish Chancellery called the conversation "direct and business-like," emphasizing that both countries are neighbors of Russia and "act stably and predictably in the Baltic Sea and northern regions." Thus, both parties confirmed the fact of the contact and its working nature, but differ in their interpretation of the outcomes and prospects.

Position on Ukraine and negotiations in Abu Dhabi

Commenting on the meeting of Nordic Prime Ministers with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Copenhagen, Støre stated that support for Ukraine among the Nordic countries remains strong: "We are among the most important participants in supporting Ukraine." During this meeting, Zelenskyy spoke about the first day of negotiations between Ukraine, the US, and Russia in Abu Dhabi and stated that it is time for the European Union to decide on a representative who could join the upcoming talks.

Status of participants and Europe's role

Stubb's office specifically noted that the presidents of Norway and Finland were speaking on behalf of their own states, not the whole of Europe. The Finnish President explained the initiative for the phone call by concerns regarding the prospects of peace talks and the need for greater European involvement in diplomatic efforts. The leaders of Finland and Norway confirmed the continuation of long-term support for Ukraine and stressed the need to end the conflict and continue negotiations.