Finnish President Alexander Stubb stated that the phone call on October 27 with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Vladimir Putin took place in cooperation with Ukraine. The news, reported by Ukrainska Pravda, highlights an initiative by the Nordic leaders. Stubb emphasized the importance of this direct dialogue for neighboring states.

Stubb specified that the conversation, lasting approximately ninety minutes, was a follow-up to the meeting in Oslo on October 20. Key allies and Nordic countries were informed before and after. Zelenskyy received a thirty-minute debriefing on the conversation, described by Stubb as “frank and substantive”.

The Finnish President justified the necessity of the call, emphasizing that for border states like Finland and Norway, it is crucial to clarify issues and convey direct messages to Moscow. He reiterated constant support for Ukraine and commitment to a just and lasting peace.

Stubb indicated that the phone call could pave the way for a meeting in November in Abu Dhabi with the USA, Ukraine, Russia, and European countries. However, Ukrainska Pravda reported Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen's skepticism regarding the lack of coordination, while Zelenskyy had stated that Stubb and Støre had asked Putin for de-escalation measures concerning Ukrainian energy and infrastructure.