Nordic Leaders’ Direct Call with Putin Sparks Split in Europe

On October 27, 2026, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre placed a telephone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin from Helsinki.

Ukraine's unexpected reaction to its rare phone call with Putin has sent shockwaves through Europe.

The call followed a meeting in Oslo on October 20, 2026, where U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the diplomatic process. After speaking with Putin, Stubb and Støre phoned Zelenskyy, who thanked them for their “active support.”

Al Jazeera (website)

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, most Western European heads of state have avoided direct contact with the Kremlin. The shift toward a direct line emerged amid a broader realignment: U.S. President Donald Trump has recently taken a more conciliatory stance toward Russia, easing sanctions and engaging in separate talks with Putin. European leaders have therefore sought alternative channels to influence the upcoming U.S.–brokered peace talks scheduled for November in Abu Dhabi.

Al Jazeera (website)

• Both leaders reiterated unwavering support for Ukraine.

The Irish Times

• Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed the call had been coordinated with Kyiv, calling it “the right approach” and welcoming the “active support” for Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts.

Ukraine's unexpected reaction to its rare phone call with Putin has sent shockwaves through Europe.

• The exact length remains unverified.

Al Jazeera (website)

• Coordination claims: Finnish and Norwegian officials say all Western allies were consulted, yet Danish and Swedish leaders assert they were not informed in advance.

Ukraine's unexpected reaction to its rare phone call with Putin has sent shockwaves through Europe.

• “The discussion was frank and substantive,” — Alexander Stubb, of finnish president

Euronews

• “The war comes with enormous human and material costs. The suffering and destruction will impact generations. In the call we stressed the importance of de-escalation.” — Stoere. The Norwegian, the finnish president

Reuters

• “I am very sceptical about this independent initiative by Norway and Finland. It was not coordinated with any of us,” — Mette Frederiksen, danish prime minister

Euronews

• “Talking to the other side does in no way mean that we take off the pressure. So I believe that that is something Europe also should do with voices that can be understood on that side.” — Norway’s Prime Minister Stoere, norwegian prime minister

Al Jazeera (website)

The leaders indicated that their dialogue is intended to complement the U.S.–brokered talks in Abu Dhabi slated for November, where Ukraine, Russia and the United States will discuss future security guarantees and a possible ceasefire. Finland and Norway have said they will continue to support Ukraine and maintain direct communication channels with Moscow, while other European capitals call for a unified diplomatic front.

Putin had rare telephone conversations with the leaders of Norway and Finland.