Putin call pits Finland and Norway against Denmark and Sweden

President Stubb and Prime Minister Støre engaged in a telephone conversation with President Putin, as reported by the Finnish President's Office. This call was a follow-up to a meeting held in Oslo on October 20th and took place in consultation with Ukraine. The primary objective of the call was to discuss Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine and the diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict and fostering peace and stability in Europe. According to the office, the call was also in preparation for upcoming meetings in Abu Dhabi.

The leaders of Finland and Norway participated in the call as the heads of their respective countries. They emphasized that their nations have consistently advocated for peace and security in their region and share a common interest in maintaining stability and predictability in the Baltic Sea region and the High North. The press release highlighted that the leaders stressed their ongoing support for Ukraine and the necessity for the war to end, along with the resumption of negotiations.

The discussion during the call was described as frank and substantive. President Stubb, representing Finland, mentioned that as neighboring countries to Russia, the outcome of the war would directly impact both their security and the broader European security. Stubb emphasized the importance of de-escalation during the call.

Prime Minister Støre, speaking on behalf of Norway, echoed similar sentiments. He underscored the immense human and material costs associated with the war, as well as the long-lasting impact of the suffering and destruction. Støre stressed the urgency of de-escalation during the conversation.

Ukrinform reported that President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a security meeting earlier in the week in Brussels, involving representatives from the United States, Ukraine, the European Union, and NATO. The meeting was aimed at discussing initiatives to end the war.