Nordic leaders hold call with Putin on Ukraine, prompting mixed reactions
Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Støre held a call with Vladimir Putin regarding Ukraine, sparking criticism from Denmark.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre held a 90-minute joint phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss peace negotiations and de-escalation in Ukraine. Following the discussion, both leaders conferred with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who thanked Stubb for the update. Støre stated the outreach aimed to address the severe human and material costs of the conflict, while Stubb described the exchange as direct and substantive.
The initiative generated friction within the region, drawing criticism from Denmark's prime minister over direct engagement with Moscow. Støre defended the action, arguing that Norway and Finland were taking responsibility amid ongoing European disunity regarding diplomatic strategy toward Russia.
Sources: Aftenposten, Dagens Næringsliv (DN), Helsingin Sanomat, Iltalehti, Svenska Dagbladet.
How outlets assessed this
- Oct 28, 2026, 04:00 AM UTC
- Iltalehti Critical Emphasises sharp Danish backlash questioning the purpose and timing of direct talks with Putin.
- Aftenposten Neutral Focuses on official statements from Støre and Stubb highlighting de-escalation and generational costs of the war.
Sources
- Aftenposten — Støre og Stubb har snakket med Putin
- Dagens Næringsliv (DN) — Støre og Stubb har snakket med Vladimir Putin om Ukraina-krigen
- Svenska Dagbladet — Dansk ilska efter Støres och Stubbs Putinsamtal
- Helsingin Sanomat — Reaktiot | Støre: Suomi ja Norja kantoivat vastuuta, EU ei ole ollut yhtenäinen vuosiin
- Iltalehti — Stubb puhui Putinin kanssa – Tanskan pääministeri: ”Mitä he kuvittelevat”