Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the settlement of the Ukraine conflict with Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store in a telephone call on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, the Kremlin confirmed. The conversation, initiated by Stubb and Store, marked a rare direct engagement between Putin and Nordic leaders on the war's resolution.

What the Kremlin Said

Moscow's official statement underlined that 'the achievement of a just long-term peace is possible only with full and unconditional consideration of the legitimate interests of the Russian Federation.' Putin reportedly drew attention to what he described as the 'confrontational policy' of the European Union and NATO countries, which, in Moscow's framing, had prolonged the conflict. Issues of security and stability in the Baltic Sea and Northern Europe were also discussed, the Kremlin noted.

Nordic Leaders Push for Direct Negotiations

Stubb characterised the discussion as 'frank and substantive,' stating that both Finland and Norway — each sharing proximity to Russia — would be directly affected by the war's outcome, as would broader European security. 'Ending the war requires direct discussions,' Stubb said, according to a press release from the Finnish President's Office. The call was reportedly held in consultation with Ukraine and was aimed at conveying messages to Putin ahead of upcoming meetings in the United Arab Emirates. Stubb and Store also stressed the importance of complying with international maritime law and the principle of freedom of navigation in the Baltic Sea.

Localised Ceasefire Around Oleshky

Separately, a humanitarian ceasefire in the area around Oleshky took effect on Tuesday, according to Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets, who announced the development on social media. The ceasefire began at 3 a.m. Kyiv time (0100 GMT) as part of a previously agreed humanitarian mission, with Lubinets stating that the Ukrainian side was honouring its commitments. Russia's Defence Ministry confirmed that Russian forces had ceased fire in the Kherson direction, introducing a 'silence regime' from 4 a.m. Moscow time (0100 GMT) to facilitate a humanitarian operation near Oleshky. The arrangement had been agreed between both sides the preceding Friday, covering humanitarian aid deliveries and civilian evacuations.

Context and Broader Significance

The call is notable for several reasons. Finland joined NATO in April 2023, making it a direct alliance neighbour of Russia — a geopolitical shift Moscow has consistently opposed. Norway, a founding NATO member, holds strategic Arctic and Baltic significance. Both governments engaging Putin directly, reportedly with Kyiv's knowledge, signals that Nordic nations are seeking a role in any future diplomatic framework. This comes amid persistent stalemate on the front lines and growing European debate over the terms of any eventual settlement. Notably, Moscow's insistence on 'full and unconditional' consideration of Russian interests stands in sharp contrast to Kyiv's stated red lines, including territorial integrity. How these positions narrow — if at all — ahead of the UAE meetings will be closely watched.

What Comes Next

Attention now turns to the upcoming meetings in the United Arab Emirates, which may provide a platform for further back-channel diplomacy. The humanitarian ceasefire near Oleshky, while limited in scope, could be a test case for broader confidence-building measures. Whether Tuesday's call translates into any substantive shift in negotiating positions remains uncertain.