Finland and Norway Seek Direct Talks With Putin Amid Growing European Concerns Over US-Led Ukraine Negotiations
Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre have reportedly held direct discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, reflecting growing European concerns that Washington could dominate negotiations over the future of Ukraine.
According to reports, the two European leaders spent several months considering whether to reopen direct communication with the Kremlin before holding a 90-minute telephone conversation with Putin on October 27, 2026. The initiative reportedly followed consultations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
During the conversation, Stubb and Støre conveyed Ukraine’s position that territorial issues should only be discussed directly by national leaders and that meaningful de-escalation must precede any broader settlement.
Their diplomatic initiative was partly driven by concerns that US President Donald Trump and his representatives, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, could become the only Western interlocutors negotiating directly with Moscow.
European officials reportedly fear that Washington could pursue a rapid peace agreement without sufficiently protecting Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and Europe’s long-term security interests.
The call reportedly took place ahead of planned discussions in Abu Dhabi. Putin indicated that he would instruct Russian negotiators to explore possible progress, although Støre remained sceptical about Moscow’s willingness to pursue a genuine peace agreement.
However, the initiative has exposed divisions within Europe. Denmark, Sweden, Lithuania and Estonia reportedly expressed concerns that separate national diplomatic efforts could undermine European unity, weaken pressure on Russia and risk normalising relations with Putin while Russian attacks on Ukraine continue.
The broader issue is Europe’s role in determining the outcome of the war. European governments argue that any peace settlement will directly affect the continent’s security, military arrangements, sanctions policy, reconstruction responsibilities and Ukraine’s future borders.
Consequently, European leaders are increasingly insisting that they must have a meaningful seat at the negotiating table rather than simply being informed about an agreement reached between Washington and Moscow.