Ukraine war: Alexander Stubb and Jonas Gahr Støre spoke to Vladimir Putin on the phone

Finland's President Alexander Stubb and Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre spoke to Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin for the first time about his war against Ukraine during a phone call. "The aim of the phone call was to send President Putin direct messages regarding future negotiations that should help end the war," said the two European politicians in Helsinki. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the phone call, which had not previously been publicly announced by either party.

A statement from the Finnish presidential office also said that Ukraine had been consulted in preparation for the phone call. Stubb and Støre took part in the call as heads of state and government of their countries and did not act as representatives of Europe.

The President and Prime Minister emphasized that Finland and Norway will continue their long-term support for Ukraine. »The discussion was direct and factual. We are neighboring countries of Russia. How the end of the war affects the security of Finland and Norway and all of Europe. “Ending the war requires direct discussions,” President Stubb said, according to his presidential office.

Stubb and Støre also met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US mediator Steve Witkoff in Oslo last week. Witkoff then held talks with Putin, during which it was agreed to resume three-way talks with Russians, Ukrainians and Americans.

Talks planned in Abu Dhabi

The US-mediated negotiations are scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi in November. There is no exact date yet. Europeans want to take part in the talks. The Kremlin has now shown itself open to involving Europe, which is supporting Ukraine with weapons and billions in aid.