Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to help bring an end to the war in Ukraine in a rare diplomatic outreach by Western European leaders since Russia's full-scale invasion began in 2022.

The call came as European governments seek to increase their diplomatic role amid growing concerns over shifts in US policy toward Russia and increasingly strained relations between Washington and Kyiv.

Following their conversation with Putin, Stubb and Store also spoke by telephone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to a senior aide to the Ukrainian leader.

Nordic leaders stress need for direct dialogue

In a joint statement, the Finnish and Norwegian leaders described their discussion with Putin as "frank and substantive."

Stubb noted that Finland shares a border with Russia and said the outcome of the war would directly affect both Finland's security and the broader security of Europe.

"Ending the war requires direct discussions," he said, while reaffirming Finland's continued support for Ukraine.

Store said the conflict had caused enormous human suffering and destruction, warning that its consequences would affect future generations unless a lasting peace could be achieved.

Both leaders stressed that their countries would continue supporting Ukraine while encouraging diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions.

Kremlin offers no sign of compromise

In its account of the conversation, the Kremlin reiterated that a lasting and just peace would only be possible if Russia's "legitimate interests" were fully and unconditionally taken into account.

The Kremlin also accused the European Union and NATO of pursuing confrontational policies that have prolonged the conflict.

A source close to the Kremlin told Reuters that Putin made clear during the conversation that Russia would not abandon its objective of taking full control of Ukraine's Donbas region. According to the same source, the Nordic leaders responded by emphasising the need for a just peace settlement.

Rare European outreach draws criticism

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, most Western European leaders have largely avoided direct contact with Putin while backing Kyiv through sanctions, military assistance and financial support.

The Finnish-Norwegian initiative marked a departure from that approach and highlighted differing views within Europe over diplomatic engagement with Moscow.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen criticised the decision, saying she had seen no indication that Russia genuinely wanted peace and arguing that European countries should remain united rather than pursue separate diplomatic initiatives.

Stubb and Store, however, stressed that they spoke as the leaders of their respective countries rather than on behalf of Europe as a whole, while reaffirming their longstanding commitment to supporting Ukraine.(ILKHA)