As diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine intensify, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre engaged in direct conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. These discussions, which took place on Tuesday, aim to set the stage for upcoming peace talks planned in Abu Dhabi.
Stubb’s office reported that his discussion with Putin was focused on the anticipated meetings in Abu Dhabi, where Ukrainian, Russian, and US negotiators are expected to hold technical-level talks in early November. Following his dialogue with Putin, Stubb characterized the exchange as frank and substantive, underscoring the direct impact of the conflict’s outcome on Finland’s security and the broader European region. He emphasized the necessity of direct discussions to advance peace efforts.
In a related development, Zelenskyy’s aide confirmed that the Ukrainian president had subsequent conversations with both Stubb and Støre. The Nordic leaders reiterated their countries’ steadfast support for Ukraine, clarifying that their discussions did not represent a collective European stance but rather individual national positions.
The calls align with recent diplomatic activities, including meetings in Oslo involving US special envoy Steve Witkoff, Zelenskyy, and the Nordic leaders. Witkoff also recently held talks with Putin in St Petersburg. The Kremlin has signaled Russia’s openness to resuming US-facilitated peace negotiations with Ukraine, marking a potential breakthrough in dialogue since the last formal talks in February.