Stubb and Støre Held Phone Call with Putin Ahead of Peace Talks in Abu Dhabi

Amid preparations for a new round of peace talks in Abu Dhabi, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre held a telephone conversation with Vladimir Putin on October 27. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing a statement from the Office of the President of Finland. The main topic of the conversation was diplomatic efforts to end the war against Ukraine.

Initiative from Helsinki and Oslo

As emphasized by the Finnish presidential office, the initiative for the contact came precisely from Stubb and Støre. During the conversation, the leaders of the two countries spoke on behalf of their own states rather than the whole of Europe, and raised issues of stability and security in the Baltic region and the High North.

Consultations with Ukraine Before the Call

Before contacting the Russian president, Stubb and Støre held consultations with the Ukrainian side to convey its position regarding the upcoming peace talks in Abu Dhabi. The Finnish presidential office stressed that the purpose of the call was to directly deliver Ukraine's position to Putin ahead of the next stage of peace negotiations.

Continuation of Dialogue After the Oslo Meeting

The conversation was a continuation of the meeting that took place on October 20 in Oslo. At that time, the parties discussed Russian aggression against Ukraine, prospects for ending the war, and ways to achieve peace and stability in Europe. The October 27 telephone contact logically continued this line of diplomatic consultations.

Leaders' Positions: Candor and De-escalation

Stubb characterized the conversation as candid and businesslike. “We are neighbors of Russia. How the war ends will affect the security of Finland and Norway, and, more broadly, the security of all of Europe. Ending the war requires direct negotiations,” he stated. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, in turn, drew attention to human losses and the long-term consequences of Russian aggression, emphasizing the importance of reducing tensions: “The war entails huge human suffering and costs. The war leaves a mark on many generations. During the conversation, we noted the importance of de-escalation.”

Reaffirmation of Long-Term Support for Ukraine

Stubb and Støre reaffirmed the readiness of Finland and Norway to continue providing long-term support to Ukraine. Both politicians emphasized that the war must end and diplomatic contacts must continue.