Finnish President Alexander Stubb has provided details of a 90-minute telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, held jointly with Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. The call focused on efforts to end Russia’s war against Ukraine, a diplomatic initiative undertaken in consultation with Kyiv.
Direct Diplomacy on Ukraine
President Stubb described the discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin as professional and direct. The conversation followed an earlier meeting in Oslo on October 20, which involved Stubb, Støre, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and US negotiator Steve Witkoff. Witkoff subsequently met Putin in St Petersburg.
Stubb confirmed that “The call was made in consultation with Ukraine.” He added that key allies, including all Nordic countries, were informed beforehand and briefed on the conversation afterwards. Stubb and Støre also held an approximately 30-minute briefing with Zelensky following the call.
The Finnish Presidency’s joint statement clarified that Stubb and Støre spoke as representatives of Finland and Norway, rather than on behalf of Europe as a whole. Their aim was to convey messages directly ahead of further negotiations. For both Finland and Norway, which share borders with Russia, the outcome of the war has direct security implications. Stubb reaffirmed that both nations will continue supporting Ukraine and seeking a just and lasting peace.
Putin’s Stance and Future Diplomatic Steps
Reporting from Reuters, citing a source familiar with the conversation, indicated that Putin maintained his demand for Russian control of the entire Donbas region, including Ukrainian-held territory in Donetsk. The Kremlin’s account likewise gave no indication of a retreat from Russia’s existing position, stating that Putin linked a lasting settlement to full consideration of Russia’s interests and accused EU and NATO countries of prolonging the fighting.
Further negotiations involving representatives of Russia, the United States, and Ukraine are expected in Abu Dhabi in November. Stubb’s remarks also referred to prospective European participation in these talks. The telephone conversation itself did not establish a peace agreement, a ceasefire, or a Russian concession on territory. Following the call, President Zelensky stated that the Finnish and Norwegian leaders had conveyed the need for concrete steps to reduce tensions affecting energy and infrastructure.
European Unity and Danish Scepticism
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed strong scepticism about the initiative in an interview with DR. She criticised the perceived lack of consultation with other partners and argued that Europe should maintain a united approach. Stubb’s speech presented his account of the coordination, distinguishing consultation with Kyiv from notification of other allies. This disagreement highlights the wider question of how individual European countries can pursue direct diplomacy with Moscow while maintaining a common position and continued support for Ukraine.
Stubb’s Broader Vision: Stronger Nordic Security and Influence
Beyond the Putin call, President Stubb used his speech to advocate for stronger Nordic cooperation to produce practical results in a more challenging security environment. “To meet today’s threat requires more than national solutions,” he stated.
He called for deeper defence cooperation within NATO and JEF, stronger protection of critical infrastructure, closer cybersecurity coordination, and more reliable energy and supply chains. He also emphasised Nordic-Baltic cooperation through the NB8 and the need to identify vulnerabilities created by dependence on individual suppliers.
Stubb’s economic agenda focuses on combining Nordic strengths in communications technology, maritime industries, medicine, finance, energy, and research. He identified quantum technology, space technology, digital infrastructure, and the defence industry as areas where joint investment could strengthen the region’s position. Stubb argued that closer Nordic cooperation should reinforce the European Union, NATO, and the United Nations, concluding that smaller countries can achieve greater security and influence by identifying shared interests and acting together. “But our influence can be much greater than our size,” he said.
What was the purpose of the Stubb-Putin call?
The 90-minute call between Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, and Russian President Vladimir Putin aimed to convey messages directly regarding efforts to end the war in Ukraine, ahead of further negotiations.
How did other European countries react to the initiative?
While the call was made in consultation with Ukraine and Nordic partners were informed, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed strong scepticism, criticising the perceived lack of consultation with other partners and advocating for a united European approach.
What is President Stubb’s broader message for Nordic cooperation?
Beyond the diplomatic initiative, President Stubb advocated for stronger Nordic cooperation in defence, economic resilience, and international influence, arguing that smaller countries can achieve greater security and impact by acting together.
