Finland and Norway leaders speak to Putin before Ukraine peace talks

On Tuesday, the leaders of Finland and Norway, Alexander Stubb and Jonas Gahr Store, respectively, engaged in a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The call aimed to discuss the possibility of a peace deal in Ukraine, a conflict now in its fifth year. The leaders emphasized their unwavering support for Ukraine and the urgent need for the war to cease, stressing the profound human and material toll it has imposed.

The call was made in preparation for trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States, scheduled for Abu Dhabi in early November. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Stubb and Store conveyed to Putin the importance of de-escalation measures, specifically targeting Ukraine's energy sector and infrastructure. Zelenskyy's Telegram post highlighted the importance of real de-escalation steps in these areas.

Stubb described the discussion as "frank and substantive," while Putin stated that a just and long-term peace could only be achieved if Russia's legitimate interests were fully and unconditionally considered. The three leaders agreed to maintain direct phone contacts, marking the first direct communication between Putin and European leaders allied with Ukraine since French President Emmanuel Macron spoke with Putin in July of the previous year.

Ukraine's European allies are advocating for a seat at the table in discussions about European security, with Stubb and Stubb citing their shared border with Russia as justification for their inclusion in the talks. The crisis in Ukraine has intensified, with civilian casualties rising by 85% in September due to increased drone and missile attacks.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported at least 328 civilian deaths and 2,105 injuries in strikes last month. In response, Ukraine launched long-range drone and missile attacks on Russian military and industrial sites, as well as civilian infrastructure, killing at least 11 people in regions bordering Ukraine and injuring dozens. The call was met with criticism from Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who described it as a solo initiative by Norway and Finland without coordination with other European leaders.