Finland's president and Norway's prime minister spoke with Putin about Ukraine
They said the conversation was candid, held in consultation with Kyiv and did not represent Europe as a whole.
Finland's president Alexander Stubb and Norway's prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre said they took part in a joint phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin aimed at seeking a way to end the war in Ukraine.
Stubb described the exchange as candid and substantive. He said the neighbouring status of Finland and Norway to Russia makes the conflict's outcome directly relevant to their security and to broader European stability.
Leaders acted in consultation with Kyiv
The two leaders said the call was held in consultation with Kyiv and that neither of them spoke as official representatives of Europe as a whole. They framed the conversation as part of wider international efforts to explore diplomatic channels toward an end to hostilities.
A spokesperson in Helsinki confirmed both leaders had agreed to make the contact public. Norwegian officials said the initiative reflected concern over the war's regional consequences and the need for direct dialogue to reduce risks.
While details of the discussion were limited, both capitals emphasized that such contacts do not alter their alignment with Ukraine or their support for international sanctions targeting Russia.
Photo: DPA)
