Leaders of Finland and Norway talk to Putin

Finland’s President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre engaged in a direct conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, as part of efforts to bring an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine. According to Stubb, the discussion was both candid and substantive. He emphasized that as neighboring nations to Russia, the outcome of the war would have a direct impact on their own security and the broader European security.

Both leaders, who are staunch allies of Ukraine, were not representing Europe as an entire entity during the call. The meeting was coordinated with Ukraine, and the European leaders underscored the necessity of de-escalation during their discussion with Putin. Støre stated that the war has caused immense human and material losses, and its suffering and devastation will affect future generations.

This conversation takes place at a particularly delicate time, as U.S. President Donald Trump advocates for a peace deal. High-level talks between the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine are scheduled to occur in Abu Dhabi next month.