Norway, Finland leaders say ‘frank and substantive’ talk held with Putin

Finland’s president said today that he and Norway’s prime minister had a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin . — AFP pic

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First Published: Tuesday, 27 Oct 2026 6:09 PM MYT

HELSINKI, Oct 27 — Finland’s president said today that he and Norway’s prime minister had a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin about efforts to end the war in Ukraine, describing the conversation as “frank and substantive”.

“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 Alexander Stubb said in a joint statement with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, which noted that the call had been “held in consultation with Ukraine”. — AFP