Finland and Norway Leaders Hold Rare Call with Putin on Ukraine Peace Talks

Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre held a rare joint phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing the discussion as 'frank and substantive.' The leaders focused on future negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, with talks linked to forthcoming discussions in Abu Dhabi. This marks a notable diplomatic engagement by two NATO members with Moscow, underscoring Nordic efforts to explore peace pathways. Following the call, Stubb and Støre briefed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the conversation, signaling coordination with Kyiv. The outreach reflects growing interest in testing diplomatic channels amid the prolonged conflict. As Abu Dhabi prepares to host related talks, the Nordic initiative may offer a glimpse into potential frameworks for de-escalation. Watch for further signals from European capitals on how such direct contacts with Putin are received within the alliance.