Finnish and Norwegian leaders hold direct talks with Putin on Ukraine

On October 27, 2026, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin to explore peace prospects for the conflict in Ukraine. This rare diplomatic outreach, confirmed by the Kremlin and the Finnish presidential office, signals a deviation from the prevailing Western policy of avoiding direct communication with Moscow. The leaders stated that the discussion was frank and substantive, emphasizing that as neighbors of Russia, the security of their nations and Europe is directly linked to the outcome of the war.

These contacts follow recent diplomatic efforts by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who previously consulted with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Nordic leaders. Sources indicate that the Nordic leaders coordinated their call with Ukraine, subsequently speaking with President Zelensky. While the initiative aims to facilitate dialogue, it has faced criticism from other European leaders, including Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who expressed skepticism regarding Russian intentions. The geopolitical landscape is further complicated by recent shifts in U.S. policy and strained relations between Washington and Kyiv, leaving the future of these peace negotiations uncertain as all parties monitor the evolving situation.