Zelensky: Finnish and Norwegian Leaders Urged Putin to De-escalate
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Finland's president Alexander Stubb and Norway's prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre told Russian President Vladimir Putin to ease escalation against Ukraine's energy and infrastructure. Zelensky later discussed diplomatic efforts and an upcoming three-way meeting with both leaders.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, after speaking with Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, that the two European leaders had clearly told Russian President Vladimir Putin that escalation must be reduced and attacks on Ukraine's energy sector and infrastructure must stop. Zelensky announced this on Telegram, and the Ukrainian outlet Unian.net also reported it. The matter is significant because new peace talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine are being prepared.
Background
As previously reported, several phone calls involving the Finnish president and the Norwegian prime minister took place on 27 October. They initiated a conversation with the Kremlin leader about diplomatic efforts to end the war. The aim was to personally convey a message from Ukraine to Putin ahead of the upcoming peace talks in Abu Dhabi.
The Kremlin also issued a statement about the calls. It said Putin had insisted: "A just and lasting peace in Ukraine is possible only if Russia's interests are taken into account."
Zelensky's talks with the leaders
Zelensky then contacted both leaders. The conversation continued discussions held earlier in Oslo with representatives of the United States, Europe and NATO. The Ukrainian president thanked Stubb and Støre for their detailed briefing and for supporting diplomacy and joint peace efforts.
"Aleks and Jonas clearly told Russia's leadership that real steps are needed to reduce escalation against our energy sector and infrastructure," Zelensky stressed.
The talks also covered preparations for a three-way meeting planned for November at the level of Ukrainian, US and Russian delegations. Zelensky noted that Finland and Norway, as countries bordering Russia, are especially interested in correct and reliable security solutions.
He said he also discussed with the two leaders various formats of cooperation with European partners that could help continue diplomatic efforts, strengthen Ukraine's defence and improve overall security.
"Peace must come, de-escalation is needed, and Russia must stop dragging out the war," Zelensky said.
