Nordic leaders break protocol to call Putin

Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere held a ninety-minute phone call with Vladimir Putin urging him to end the Ukraine war, breaking Western practice of avoiding direct Kremlin contact.

Why now? Trump shifts toward Russia

The call came after US President Donald Trump shifted his position in favour of Russia and US ties with Ukraine hit their lowest point in eighteen months, prompting the Nordic leaders to intervene diplomatically.

Nordic leaders stress de-escalation

Stubb said the discussion was frank and substantive, noting Finland and Norway are neighbouring countries to Russia whose security depends on the war's outcome.

“We are neighbouring countries to Russia. The outcome of this war will have a direct impact on our and the broader European security.”

Kremlin shows no sign of compromise

The Kremlin's readout emphasised that peace requires Russia's legitimate interests be fully and unconditionally taken into account, and blamed EU and NATO confrontational policies for prolonging hostilities.

Peace talks set for Abu Dhabi next month

The Nordic leaders linked their initiative to planned peace discussions between Russian, Ukrainian and US officials in Abu Dhabi next month, the first such talks since February.