The call was a follow-up of the meeting in Oslo on 20 October and was held in consultation with Ukraine.

Stubb and Støre initiated the call to discuss Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the diplomatic efforts to end the war and promote peace and stability in Europe.

Finland and Norway border Russia. They are firm supporters of Ukraine. The aim of the call was to convey messages directly to President Putin regarding future negotiations to help to end the war. The call was related to the upcoming meetings to be held in Abu Dhabi.

Stubb and Støre took part in the call as leaders of their respective countries and did not speak on the behalf of Europe as a whole.

Norway and Finland have always promoted peace and security in our region. The two countries have a shared interest in stability and predictability in the Baltic Sea region and the High North. This was highlighted in the call.

Stubb and Støre emphasized that Finland and Norway will continue their longstanding support for Ukraine. They also emphasized that the war must end and negotiations resume. 

– The discussion was frank and substantive. We are neighbouring countries to Russia. The outcome of this war will have a direct impact on our and the broader European security. Ending the war requires direct discussions, President Stubb said.

– 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, Prime Minister Støre said.

President Stubb and Prime Minister Støre spoke from Helsinki.