Zelensky pushes for Russia-Ukraine conflict de-escalation as Finland and Norway leaders hold talks with Putin

New Delhi: Ukraine has called for concrete steps to reduce hostilities as Finland and Norway opened a direct channel with Russian president, Vladimir Putin, ahead of planned trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi in November. The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, said the discussions focused on protecting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, advancing diplomacy and preparing for negotiations involving Kyiv, Moscow and Washington.

Zelensky said he spoke with Finnish president, Alexander Stubb, and Norwegian prime minister, Jonas Gahr Store, after their phone call with Putin on Tuesday. In a post on X, he thanked the two leaders for briefing him and supporting Ukraine’s efforts to secure peace.

“Alex and Jonas clearly told the Russian leadership that real de-escalation steps are needed regarding our energy sector and infrastructure,” Zelensky said.

He added that the three leaders discussed preparations for a November meeting involving Ukrainian, American and Russian representatives at the team level. Zelensky also explored ways to work with European partners to strengthen Ukraine’s defence and support diplomatic efforts.

According to a statement from the president of the republic of Finland, the call between Putin and the two Nordic leaders was held in consultation with Ukraine. Stubb and Store initiated the conversation to discuss Russia’s war and convey messages directly to Putin about future negotiations.

The call followed a meeting in Oslo on October 20, attended by Zelensky, Stubb, Store and US special envoy Steve Witkoff, alongside representatives from Europe and Nato. The renewed engagement comes as the three parties prepare to resume negotiations after earlier diplomatic efforts failed to produce a settlement.

Finland and Norway have a direct security interest in the outcome of the war, as both countries share borders with Russia. The Finnish presidency said the leaders also discussed stability in the Baltic Sea region and the High North. They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine and called for negotiations to resume.

Stubb described the conversation with Putin as “frank and substantive”, saying the war’s outcome would directly affect Finland and broader European security. Store warned of the conflict’s lasting consequences, stating, “The suffering and destruction will impact generations.” He said the leaders had also stressed the need for de-escalation.

However, the initiative does not represent a unified European position. Stubb and Store clarified that they had acted on behalf of their respective countries, not Europe as a whole.

Zelensky called for an end to Russia’s continued military campaign, saying: “Peace must prevail, de-escalation is needed, and Russia’s prolongation of the war must end.”

The planned November meeting will test whether the renewed diplomatic contacts can translate into progress towards ending the conflict, while Ukraine continues to seek security assurances and protection for critical infrastructure.