Source tells Vlast newsletter that Putin welcomed late-October call from Finland’s president and Norway’s prime minister as a possible start of substantive talks with Europe

According to a Kremlin source, Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed a call from Finland’s President Alexander Stubb and Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on October 26. The Kremlin insider believes the call could signal the beginning of serious discussions between Europe and Russia. The Finnish and Norwegian leaders sought a long-lasting, ongoing process instead of isolated meetings, according to the Kremlin insider.

Both countries reached out to Putin before the resumption of peace talks, conveying Ukraine’s perspective. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that President Volodymyr Zelensky had instructed them to relay the Ukrainian stance, including his willingness to discuss the territorial issue during an in-person meeting with Putin. The Financial Times revealed that Putin primarily discussed the medieval history of Slavic people during the call with the European leaders.

Støre dismissed this claim, requesting the newspaper to rectify the story, but his demand was ignored. The call marked the first contact between European leaders supporting Ukraine and Putin since July 2025, when he conversed with French President Emmanuel Macron.