In a bid to foster diplomatic resolutions for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre engaged in separate discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. These conversations, held on Tuesday, are part of broader efforts to facilitate peace talks scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi.
The dialogue between Stubb and Putin centered around the upcoming meetings, with Stubb’s office describing the exchange as frank and substantive. Both leaders acknowledged the significant impact the war’s outcome would have on Finland’s security and the broader European region. Stubb emphasized the necessity of direct discussions to bring an end to the conflict.
Following Stubb’s conversation with Putin, the Ukrainian President’s aide confirmed that Zelenskyy conversed with both Nordic leaders. During these discussions, Stubb and Støre reiterated their countries’ continuous support for Ukraine. They also clarified that their engagements did not represent a collective stance of all European nations.
These recent communications are part of a series of diplomatic interactions involving US special envoy Steve Witkoff. Recent meetings in Oslo included Witkoff, Zelenskyy, and the Nordic leaders, while further talks occurred between Witkoff and Putin in St Petersburg. The Kremlin has shown a willingness to resume US-mediated peace negotiations with Ukraine, with discussions potentially restarting in November. Such talks would be the first since February, indicating a possible diplomatic breakthrough in the conflict.