Nordic Leaders Break 15-Month Silence with Putin as Abu Dhabi Talks Take Shape

Says direct talks between the Russian and Ukrainian presidents would happen very soon, and has shifted US policy toward Russia by easing sanctions and striking a diesel release deal with Putin.

“"very soon"”

Argues European governments manoeuvred themselves into a dead end on finding a solution to the war and that the Nordic call was an effort to re-establish a channel for dialogue.

“"manoeuvred themselves into a dead end"”

Describes the call as frank and substantive and argues that as neighbours of Russia, ending the war requires direct discussions, while stressing unwavering support for Ukraine and that the call was made in a national capacity after consultation with Kyiv and Washington.

“"We are neighbouring countries to Russia. The outcome of this war will have a direct impact on our and the broader European security. Ending the war requires direct discussions,"”

Says he and Stubb stressed the importance of de-escalation to Putin, and argues that talking to the other side does not mean lifting pressure and is something Europe should also do.

“"Talking to the other side does in no way mean that we take off the pressure. So I believe that that is something Europe also should do with voices that can be understood on that side."”

Calls the call constructive and substantive and says Putin's consistent position is that the root causes of the conflict must be addressed.

“"Putin’s position is well known. It’s consistent, and he has spoken about the need to address the root causes."”

Says the Nordic leaders' call with Putin offered nothing new to end the Ukraine conflict and that European countries are simply seeking a role in negotiations.

“"nothing new"”

Declares that the current leader in Kyiv is not legitimate and that Zelensky should come to Moscow for any direct talks, where security would be provided.

“"The current leader in Kyiv is not legitimate."”

Expresses low expectations for this type of conversation and says everyone wants peace except Putin, noting that some European leaders were not informed of the call.

“"My impression is that everyone wants peace, except for Putin himself. I have quite low expectations for this type of conversation,"”

Warns against individual diplomatic approaches to Moscow and says European countries must maintain a united position.

“"I think Europe should stick together rather than going solo,"”

Says he told Stubb and Stoere that absolute caution and vigilance are necessary in contacts with Putin.

“"absolute caution and vigilance are necessary in such contacts"”

Argues Europe must be at the table in Ukraine peace negotiations but not as fragmented voices, and that any contact with Russia must be backed by a united position, real leverage and a list of European demands.

“"Any contact with Russia must be backed by a united position, real leverage and a list of European demands,"”

Says representatives from 48 African countries will participate in the Russia-Africa Summit, including 22 heads of state.

Co-chairs the Russia-Africa Summit and is scheduled to meet Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

Urges leaders attending the Russia-Africa Summit to demand that Moscow end what the group calls deceptive and coercive recruitment of Africans to fight in Ukraine.

Co-chairs the Russia-Africa Summit with Putin.

Counts Russian missions or troops in at least nine African countries, indicating a significantly expanded security presence since 2023.

Says Moscow is still in the preparation phase for negotiations on Ukraine and that talk of an Abu Dhabi meeting is premature, while hoping dialogue with the Trump administration produces a settlement addressing root causes and warning that instability and arms may spread from Ukraine into Africa.

“"By and large, we are still in the preparation phase,"”

Says delegations from 48 of Africa's 54 countries have confirmed participation, with 22 represented by heads of state, and that Russia-Africa trade exceeded $27 billion in 2025.

Co-chairs the Russia-Africa Summit and is scheduled to meet Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

Co-chairs the Russia-Africa Summit with Putin.

Agreed to lift some sanctions on Russia, allowing Moscow to export oil to the US, a move that soured relations with Ukraine and European allies.

Says the call was frank and substantive and that an end to the conflict in Ukraine will not be achieved through silence, and that the initiative was prepared in consultation with Ukraine and the US after the Oslo meeting with Witkoff.

“"will not be achieved through silence,"”

Acknowledges big differences in views with Putin, stresses that he and Stubb did not set out to speak on behalf of anyone but their own countries, and describes the war's human and material costs as generational.

“"We've not set out to speak on behalf of anyone other than ourselves,"”

Says having a European negotiator at the peace talks table would be good, and describes the Nordic leaders' conversation with Putin as very constructive and practical talks with leaders of two key neighbouring states.

“"very constructive and practical talks with the leaders of two key neighbouring states."”

Says Europe should stick together rather than going solo, criticising the uncoordinated nature of the Nordic call.

“"I think Europe should stick together rather than going solo,"”

Says Stubb informed him that Europe's position on the upcoming UAE talks was moderately optimistic.

“"moderately optimistic"”

Tells the Nordic leaders that a fair long-term peace settlement is possible only if Russia's legal interests are taken into account fully and unconditionally, and reaffirms his view of the conflict's root causes.

“"A fair long-term peace settlement is possible only if Russia's legal interests are taken into account fully and unconditionally"”

Confirms the Nordic leaders debriefed him after the call and expresses gratitude for their active support.

“"active support"”

Says the call with Putin was the right approach.

“"the right approach"”

Says the call was frank and substantive and argues that ending the war requires direct discussion.

““The discussion was frank and substantive. The outcome of this war will have a direct impact on our and the broader European security. Ending the war requires direct discussion.””

Says there are big differences in views with Putin and stresses the importance of de-escalation.

““We stressed the importance of de-escalation.””

Concedes that the talks with Stubb and Støre were constructive and practical.

““very constructive and practical talks with the leaders of two key neighbouring states.””

Says Europe should stick together rather than going solo.

““I think Europe should stick together rather than going solo.””

Says Stubb informed him that Europe’s position on the upcoming UAE talks is moderately optimistic.

““moderately optimistic””

Tells the Nordic leaders that a just and lasting peace requires Russia’s legal interests to be fully and unconditionally considered.

““A fair long-term peace settlement is possible only if Russia’s legal interests are taken into account fully and unconditionally.””

Confirms Stubb and Støre debriefed him after the call and thanks them for their active support.

““active support””

Calls the call the right approach.

““the right approach””

Says about 6,000 residents suffer hunger and cold under a full blockade and calls for international pressure to allow aid into Oleshky.

Acknowledged a critical situation in Oleshky with problems supplying food and medicine, and blamed Kyiv.

Keeps a list of about 1,200 dead in Oleshky and says bodies are left to decompose or be eaten by dogs.

““Я веду таблицю померлих, щойно дізнаюся про них, із зазначенням імен і дат народження. Зараз у мене вже близько 1 200 людей. Іноді не встигаю оновлювати список одразу, але він збільшується на одну-дві людини щодня: когось убив дрон, хтось підірвався на міні.”” uk

Describes surviving on one meal a day and foraging weeds as food supplies have not arrived since May.

““Продуктів у місті немає. Завоз був іще у травні.”” uk

Says Russian troops shot her parents at home and that occupation authorities do not allow burial of people killed by drones or mines.

““Розстріляли вдома. Прийшли російські військові, хотіли забрати дім.”” uk

Says leaving bodies unburied is a tool of psychological pressure and that anyone trying to bury a body becomes the next target.

““Це інструмент психологічного тиску. Якщо спробуєте поховати тіло, наступними станете ви.”” uk

Says he is willing to participate but stresses the focus would be denuclearization, not ending the Ukraine war.

Proposes a trilateral meeting with the US and Chinese leaders on Ukraine during the APEC summit.

Criticizes such a meeting as feeding Putin’s self-aggrandizement and encouraging him to continue the war.

““让他获得不必要的地位”” zh

Says she has no information to provide about the proposed trilateral summit.

““没有可以提供的信息”” zh

Says US-Ukraine relations have fallen to an unprecedented low and that Trump believes backing Putin is the fastest way to end the war.

““美乌领导人的关系已跌至前所未有的低点。”” zh

Says China wants to be seen as a hub among major powers and may become a mediator between the US and Russia.

Says European proposals for resolving the Ukraine crisis resemble an ultimatum rather than a peace effort, that European states lack a unified position on Ukraine, and that their actions prolong the conflict instead of helping resolve it.

Says the return of Russian staff to the Bushehr nuclear plant was discussed in the Putin-Pezeshkian talks and that Moscow plans to raise its staff there to 200 in November.

Positively assessed the return of Russian personnel active in building the Bushehr plant during talks with Putin.

Has begun building a fleet of floating nuclear power plants for Russia.

Warns the planned Russia-China-US summit could redraw spheres of influence, says Russia wants the meeting more than anyone, urges Washington to increase Patriot missile supplies against 150 ballistic missiles a month, and welcomes the Oleshky evacuation arrangement.

“"We really don't want this to turn into 'Yalta 2, 3, 4' with a redistribution of influence,"”

Calls the Oleshky truce the biggest de-escalation since 2022 and says every step brings peace closer.

“"This is the biggest de-escalation since 2022,"”

Says three maritime drones struck a container ship in the Black Sea off Bulgaria's coast, with the crew evacuated and no immediate casualties reported.

Expresses concern over intense attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea and calls on both sides to keep commercial navigation out of the conflict zone and halt attacks on civilian ships.

“"We follow with concern the intense attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea and call on the sides to act with common sense, in line with the principle of navigational safety in open seas,"”

Says the logic of attribution for the Black Sea drone attacks points toward Moscow, but that Bulgaria cannot prove it.

“"The logic points in that direction," ... "The problem is that we cannot prove it."”

Helped broker the humanitarian mission behind the Oleshky ceasefire, according to the White House.

Describes the call with Putin as frank and substantive and says ending the war requires direct discussions because the outcome affects European security.

“"The outcome of this war will have a direct impact on our and the broader European security. Ending the war requires direct discussions,"”

Says the leaders emphasized de-escalation in their call, citing the war's enormous human and material costs.

“"The war comes with enormous human and material costs. The suffering and destruction will impact generations,"”

Confirms that the call took place, the first between the three leaders.

Criticizes the Finnish and Norwegian leaders for going solo with a call to Putin without coordinating with other allies, arguing Europe should stay united.

“"I'm very sceptical about this Norwegian and Finnish initiative. It hasn't been coordinated with any of the rest of us,"”

Calls the US-mediated ceasefire in Oleshky the biggest de-escalation since 2022 and says every such step brings peace closer.

“"This is the biggest de-escalation since 2022,"”

Says 48 African states confirmed participation and that Burundi’s president will co-chair the summit with Putin.

Hosts African leaders and criticizes what he calls neocolonialism in Africa.

““ukoloni mamboleo”” sw

Will co-chair the Russia-Africa summit alongside Putin.

Is expected to meet Putin; his government has been supported by Russian fighters against Islamist groups.

Will attend the summit.

Represents Rwanda at the summit.

Receives Chapo bilaterally on the sidelines of the summit.

Warns that Mozambique must use its foreign policy to prevent its territory and resources from becoming a battlefield for great powers.

““Moçambique tem uma política externa que olha para todos os parceiros como amigos, mas obviamente nesta abertura que faz tem de usar a sua política externa para que o seu território e os seus recursos não sejam um campo de batalha para as grandes potências aqui no nosso território.”” pt

Wants to use Russian experience in the natural gas sector as Mozambique seeks to increase production and exports.

Says the UAE meeting is planned for 4 November.

Says a just and lasting peace is possible only with full consideration of Russia's interests.

Insists that the Ukraine-U.S.-Russia meeting in Abu Dhabi take place before a possible Trump-Putin-Xi meeting, with an agenda covering energy and maritime de-escalation, prisoner exchange, security guarantees, and the format for a leaders' meeting; says he has no alternative negotiating group.

“«Подивимося, що це буде за зустріч. Ми б дуже хотіли, щоб наша зустріч в Абу-Дабі була до цього»” uk

Does not confirm the 4 November date for the trilateral talks and says negotiations are still ongoing.

Does not confirm the 4 November date for the trilateral talks and says negotiations are still ongoing.

His diesel deal with Putin and easing of sanctions alarmed European capitals and reinforced calls for an EU seat at the table.

Returns to discussion as a possible EU special envoy after co-hosting the latest round of talks in Oslo.

Says the planned Abu Dhabi talks will take place in a trilateral format but does not rule out other participants.

““Nothing can be ruled out a priori. But these talks we are discussing, which are scheduled for the first half of November in Abu Dhabi, will take place in a trilateral format.””

Urges European leaders to establish their own diplomatic channel with Moscow.

Met Putin in Saint Petersburg for nearly three hours after the Oslo talks.

Says the EU expects to be present at senior-official multilateral talks and that the Commission and Council should jointly represent the bloc.

““Now, there is an expectation that there will be a multilateral-level discussion with representatives at senior official level, and the EU will be present at these talks.””

Quietly opened a line of communication with Russia earlier this year that failed and was put on hold.

Opens the summit by saying a multipolar world is becoming an objective and irreversible reality.

““We are witnessing a multipolar world becoming a reality, a trend that is both objective and irreversible.””

Attends the summit as Egypt accounts for one-third of Moscow’s trade with Africa.

Calls on African leaders to raise with Russia the fate of relatives recruited to fight in Ukraine.

““Families want to know if their relatives are alive, where they are and when those who died will come home for burial. We hope our leaders will raise this with their Russian counterparts in Moscow.””

Tells African leaders that Africa is becoming a key global player, that Western countries try to hold the continent back through debt and colonial habits, and that Russian business invests locally and shares technology rather than extracting raw materials, while pledging expanded grain, fertiliser and infrastructure cooperation.

“"Africa is increasingly asserting itself as one of the key players in the global economy and politics. However, the emergence of a multipolar world is, of course, no easy task; it faces resistance from countries that are not prepared to accept this reality: those who are accustomed to thinking in terms of their colonial past and to enriching themselves fabulously,"”

Describes the African countries attending the Moscow summit as natural allies against the West.

Considers the call a positive turn but doubts whether it will ultimately be useful.

““Epäilen kuitenkin, onko puhelusta lopulta mitään hyötyä.”” fi

Sees the call in principle as a positive development for achieving peace.

““Tässä vaiheessa on hankala sanoa oikein mitään muuta.”” fi

Calls the call fifty-fifty and says Finland should maintain relations with Russia without easily yielding to Putin’s demands.

““Fifty-fifty. Puhelussa oli hyvää ja huonoa. Suomen kannalta on hyvä pitää yllä jonkinlaisia suhteita Venäjään. Putinin vaatimuksiin ei kuitenkaan pitäisi myöntyä helpolla.”” fi

Sees the call as double-edged: Putin’s conditions should not be accepted, but peace should still be pursued.

““Putinin asettamia ehtoja ei pitäisi hyväksyä, mutta toisaalta rauhaankin pitäisi pyrkiä.”” fi

Says the call showed things moving in a positive direction and made clear Europe must be involved in peace discussions.

““Puhelu teki selväksi muun muassa sen, että Euroopan on oltava mukana rauhankeskusteluissa.”” fi

Is fairly optimistic and says she trusts Stubb.

““Sanotaan nyt, että luotan Stubbiin.”” fi

Is unsure whether the call had more good than bad but was glad that other countries were apparently informed.

““Ajattelinkin, että jossain vaiheessa on keskusteluiden aika. Ilahduin siitäkin, että puhelusta oli ilmeisesti informoitu myös muita maita.”” fi

Says the call may signal that the Nordic countries are jointly pushing the issue more strongly than other EU states.

““Tässä vaiheessa on vaikea sanoa vielä mitään. Puhelu viestii ehkä ainakin siitä, että Pohjoismaat ovat tässä yhdessä viemässä asiaa eteenpäin vahvemmin kuin muut EU-maat.”” fi

Sees more good than bad but finds it sad that Putin does not compromise on his demands.

““Oli kuitenkin taas kerran surullista kuulla, ettei Putin tingi omista vaatimuksistaan.”” fi

Welcomes the call, saying someone had to start communicating and that Stubb has been described as a peacemaker.

““Osasin odottaakin sitä. Hyvä, että päästään kommunikoimaan, jonkun sekin on aloitettava. Stubbia on muutenkin luonnehdittu rauhantekijäksi.”” fi

Says Russia is a better partner for Africa than the colonial West, does not exploit resources rapaciously, and offers grain, fertilizer, digital knowledge and local processing.

“„Firmele noastre nu se implică în exploatarea rapace, neocolonială a resurselor naturale și umane, ci extinde procesarea locală a materiilor prime, creând astfel noi locuri de muncă și generând venituri fiscale”” ro

Discussed by phone with Putin and urged him to declare a ceasefire, with Zelensky's support.

Discussed by phone with Putin and urged him to declare a ceasefire, with Zelensky's support.

Says Europe presented nothing new in its Tuesday contacts with Putin.

Says trilateral Russia-Ukraine-US talks will resume in Abu Dhabi and that Europeans can participate only if they buy tickets, but no one plans to invite them to the negotiating table.

“„Ei (europenii) pot participa dacă îşi cumpără bilete. Dar nimeni nu intenţionează să îi invite la masa negocierilor”” ro

Warned the European leaders that there will be no peace in Ukraine until Russia's national interests are taken into account.

Has consistently supported the presence of European allies in the negotiation process, especially after tensions between Kyiv and Trump.

Said the call was a national initiative by Finland and Norway, not on behalf of the EU, and that he conveyed Zelensky's message ahead of the Abu Dhabi trilateral talks.

““Zelenski’nin mesajını da adrese ulaştırdık”” tr

Participated with Stubb in a video call with Putin to discuss ending the war and de-escalation.

Said Russia could offer reciprocal territorial concessions in the planned trilateral talks, unlike previous rounds, and stressed the need for confidentiality.

““Kurulacak üçlü masada, önceki süreçlerden farklı olarak tarafların karşılıklı birtakım toprak tavizleri vermesi de sözkonusu olabilir”” tr

Said Putin is ready to consider Zelensky's request for face-to-face talks in Moscow and would ensure his security there.

Reiterated what he called the root causes of the conflict, said Russia's legal interests must be protected for a fair and lasting peace, and accused the EU and NATO of hostile policies prolonging the war; through an aide he indicated readiness to consider Zelensky in Moscow.

According to the Financial Times, is preparing cooperation with Putin before the Ukraine war ends, with energy deals as a first step, a move that could worsen Washington-Brussels ties.

Pursues with Kirill Dmitriev a plan for US-Russia energy cooperation including Sakhalin-1, Druzhba oil sales, Nord Stream 2 gas, fertilizer, and titanium.

Pursues with Steve Witkoff a plan for US-Russia energy cooperation including Sakhalin-1, Druzhba oil sales, Nord Stream 2 gas, fertilizer, and titanium.

Says no sanctions will make Russia abandon cooperation with Africa, BRICS and Eurasian neighbors, and accuses former colonial powers of refusing equal partnership.

“"Ninguna sanción, ningún intento de volver a entonar esta cantinela que tiene hartos a todos sobre el supuesto aislamiento de Rusia, no nos sacará de este camino. Continuaremos cooperando en todas las direcciones, con los africanos, con los países BRICS, y con nuestros vecinos en el espacio euroasiático"” es

Says great progress has been made with Russia and Ukraine and a trilateral meeting with Putin and Zelensky will take place very soon.

“"Hemos logrado grandes progresos en la situación con Rusia y Ucrania. Tendremos una reunión muy pronto"” es

Held the first conversation between a European leader and Putin in more than a year to discuss a peace proposal for Ukraine.

Held the first conversation between a European leader and Putin in more than a year to discuss a peace proposal for Ukraine.

Thanked Finnish President Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Store for their active support for diplomacy and peace efforts, and said peace is necessary, de-escalation is required, and Russia must stop prolonging the war.

“"Es necesario que haya paz, se requiere una desescalada y Rusia debe dejar de prolongar la guerra"” es

Traveled to St Petersburg to discuss the peace process with Putin.

Says a trilateral Putin-Zelensky meeting could take place very soon and hopes for significant progress.

“«juda tez fursatda»” uz

Responded that he and Støre held the call as leaders of their own countries, not as representatives of Europe.

“«bu muloqotni Yevropa vakillari sifatida emas, balki öz mamlakatlari rahbarlari sifatida ötkazgani»” uz

Criticized Stubb and Støre for speaking with Putin without coordinating with other EU countries.

Devoted most of the telephone call with Finnish and Norwegian leaders to a lecture on Slavic history, according to FT sources; the Kremlin said he assessed the situation and cited root causes.

Said there is an impression that Russians are seriously interested in the Abu Dhabi meeting, and that talks should cover energy, maritime de-escalation, and prisoner exchange and return home.

“«ruslar Abu-Dabidagi uçraşuvga jiddiy qiziqiş bildirayotgandek hissiyot borligi»” uz

Said a meeting between Putin and Zelensky could happen "soon."

“"soon"”

Initially declined to meet Ukraine after the September US envoy trip, later signaled readiness after Witkoff's Oct. 21 Moscow visit, and insists Zelensky travel to Russia for direct talks.

Says the Abu Dhabi meeting should focus on initial de-escalation, Ukraine's security priorities, ending the war, energy and sea measures, prisoner exchange, and discussing a leaders' format; territorial concessions are a red line for leaders only.

“"The agenda should cover the following issues: initial steps toward de-escalation, the main priorities for the Ukrainian side — particularly security priorities — and, more broadly, ending this war,"”

Traveled to Kyiv and Moscow in September with Jared Kushner to seek progress on ending the war before US midterms, producing an agreement in principle for a trilateral meeting.

Traveled to Kyiv and Moscow in September with Steve Witkoff to seek progress on ending the war before US midterms, producing an agreement in principle for a trilateral meeting.

Held a call with Putin that Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen criticized and Zelensky defended.

Held a call with Putin that Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen criticized and Zelensky defended.

Told Danish TV she was skeptical of the call and warned that one should be careful about giving Putin an opportunity he did not have hours earlier.

“"One should be careful about giving Putin an opportunity that he did not have until a few hours ago."”

Reportedly subjected the Nordic leaders to a monologue laying out his interpretations of Slavic history, a claim disputed by Ukrainian and European sources.

Defends the Norwegian and Finnish leaders' call with Putin, says Trump's Alaska meeting already ended Russia's diplomatic isolation, and praises the Nordic diplomacy as transparent and pre-coordinated with Ukraine.

“"That is a fact: the Russians had been diplomatically isolated by a large part of the world, and Alaska ended that isolation,"”

Wrote on social media that the two Nordic leaders coordinated their call with Ukraine in advance.

Proposed holding the trilateral meeting between Nov. 6 and 10, with Abu Dhabi the likely venue.

Acknowledges the meeting will take place after Nov. 4 but says the exact date depends on the battlefield situation and overall circumstances.

Urged the international community to strengthen sanctions on Russia rather than ease them and criticized purchases of Russian energy.

Embraces Putin and publicly criticizes Zelensky, raising fears in Europe that Washington may lift sanctions or pressure Ukraine to surrender.

Appointed the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund as a special envoy for international economic and investment cooperation, according to the article.

Is preparing to send a high-level delegation, including European Commission and European Council officials, to the Abu Dhabi peace talks.

Initiated the call with Støre, in consultation with Ukraine, to discuss Russia's war and convey messages directly to Putin ahead of Abu Dhabi.

Said in the call that de-escalation is important.

Said she was very skeptical of the initiative, argued Europe should stay together instead of going solo, and called for a united voice against Russia.

“"I think we should keep Europe together instead of going solo,"”

Reiterated the root causes of the invasion, accused the EU and NATO of confrontational policies prolonging hostilities, discussed Baltic and Northern European security, and agreed to maintain direct contact.

Thanked Stubb and Støre for the detailed briefing and support, said concrete de-escalation steps were needed especially on energy infrastructure, and that Russia must stop dragging out the war.

“"Russia must stop dragging out the war,"”

Along with Støre, chose not to interrupt Putin's historical remarks in order to assess how seriously he is engaging with Europe, and stressed they spoke on behalf of their own countries.

Along with Stubb, chose not to interrupt Putin's historical remarks in order to assess how seriously he is engaging with Europe, and stressed they spoke on behalf of their own countries.

Said the call apparently discussed nothing new, Europeans are only seeking to join the negotiating process, and the war will continue and likely intensify.

Devoted most of the call to discussing Slavic history, with immediate ceasefire barely touched; according to the Kremlin, cited root causes and demanded Russia's interests be considered.

Says historical political cooperation should translate into more investment and business, especially in energy and natural gas.

““Temos de continuar sempre unidos, nossos países, nossos povos irmãos. Estamos aqui para mais uma vez estreitar cada vez mais as nossas relações de amizade e cooperação, que são históricas.”” pt

Meets Chapo on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa summit.

Opened a direct line to Putin with Norway's prime minister, drawing criticism from some fellow European leaders while Ukraine backed the effort.

Opened a direct line to Putin with Finland's president, drawing criticism from some fellow European leaders while Ukraine backed the effort.

Says, according to Western media reports, that trilateral talks involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States are preliminarily planned for 4 November in the UAE.

Says a trilateral Ukraine-U.S.-Russia meeting could take place on 10 November, ideally in the first half of November, and that much depends on the U.S. elections and the Middle East situation.

“«Сподіваюся, ми знайдемо вихід, і найближчими днями наші команди або радники з національної безпеки зустрінуться...Сподіваюся, зустріч – тристороння – все ж відбудеться. Було б добре в листопаді – перша половина, не друга. Але побачимо. Багато що зараз залежить від виборів у США та ситуації на Близькому Сході»” uk

States that a trilateral meeting of Ukraine, the United States and Russia is planned for November in the UAE and that a decision on Putin's participation in the Miami G20 summit has not yet been made.

Does not confirm the exact date of the trilateral talks.

Offers to help broker a deal to end the U.S.-Iran war during a meeting with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, continuing a series of Russian offers to act as intermediary between Washington and Tehran.

Says Moscow is providing Iran with every possible form of support, including grain purchases, humanitarian aid, likely intelligence sharing, and consultations on air defense and missile development, and could facilitate enriched-uranium transfers.

““Moscow is trying to provide Iran with every possible form of support,” including grain purchases, humanitarian aid, and likely intelligence sharing”

Argues the conditions that enabled the 2015 Iran nuclear deal no longer exist, that compromise willingness is absent, and that Gulf states do not see Russia as a credible mediator.

““Everyone may want a deal, but not on terms that the opposing party, or parties, is willing to accept.””

Says Russia can relay messages between Tehran and Washington but offers little beyond other intermediaries, because the core problem is the U.S.-Iran inability to find a basis for compromise.

““The main problem between the United States and Iran is not a lack of mediators, but their inability to find a basis for compromise””

Has shown limited interest in Russia's proposal to facilitate enriched-uranium transfers and mediation, limiting the proposal's immediate prospects.

Says Moscow considers Abu Dhabi the preferred venue for talks on Ukraine and that the US should halt aid to Kyiv if it wants the fighting to stop.

Describes the call with Putin as frank and substantive and argues that ending the war requires direct discussions because its outcome directly affects Finnish and European security.

“« L'issue de cette guerre aura des conséquences directes sur notre sécurité et, plus largement, sur celle de l'Europe. Mettre fin à la guerre exige des discussions directes »” fr

Reports major divergences with Putin after the 90-minute call and says the two leaders stressed the importance of de-escalation, citing the war's generational human and material costs.

“« La guerre entraîne d'énormes pertes humaines et matérielles. Les souffrances et les destructions auront des conséquences sur plusieurs générations »” fr

Criticizes the Norwegian-Finnish call as an uncoordinated solo initiative and says she is very skeptical of it, seeing no sign that Russia wants peace with Europe.

“« Je suis très sceptique à l'égard de cette initiative prise par les Norvégiens et les Finlandais de leur propre chef »” fr

Speaks with Stubb and Støre after their call with Putin, following his earlier Oslo meeting with U.S. emissaries.

Says construction of the Russian-built El Dabaa nuclear power plant is proceeding according to plan and that Egypt accounts for a significant share of Russia's growing trade with Africa; notes 1.2 million Russian tourists visited Egypt in the first half of 2026.

“ساخت نیروگاه هستهای الضبعه ساخت روسیه طبق برنامه پیش میرود، در حالیکه مصر سهم قابلتوجهی از تجارت رو به رشد روسیه با آفریقا را به خود اختصاص داده است.” fa

Reaffirms Egypt's commitment to strengthening relations with Russia, especially in trade, economic cooperation and grain supply.

Says the discussion with Putin was open and substantive and that direct talks are necessary because the war's outcome will directly affect Finland and Europe.

“"Der Ausgang dieses Krieges wird direkte Auswirkungen auf unsere Sicherheit und die Sicherheit Europas insgesamt haben. Um den Krieg zu beenden, sind direkte Gespräche erforderlich"” de

Says the suffering and destruction will affect whole generations and that he and Stubb stressed the importance of de-escalation in the call; later states all partners were informed in advance.

“"Das Leid und die Zerstörung werden sich auf ganze Generationen auswirken. In dem Telefonat haben wir betont, wie wichtig eine Deeskalation ist."” de

Is very skeptical of the call with Putin, criticizes the initiative as not coordinated with partners, sees no sign Russia wants peace with Europe, and urges Europe to stick together rather than act alone.

“"sehr skeptisch"” de

Says the Abu Dhabi talks in the first half of November will address security for Russia and Ukraine after hostilities end, that peace must account for Russia's interests, and accuses the EU and NATO of a confrontational policy prolonging the war.

Speaks with Stubb and Støre after their call with Putin, as confirmed by Stubb.

Welcomes the frank and substantive phone call and insists that ending the war requires direct discussions with Russia.

“"ending the war requires direct discussions"”

Says all partners and allies were informed in advance and received a detailed account afterwards, concedes significant differences remain in positions, and argues that other voices beyond the US administration should reach Moscow.

“"all our partners and allies were informed in advance"”

Insists any peace must be achieved on Ukraine's terms and through strength rather than appeasement toward Russia, and says he sees nothing to suggest Moscow is seeking peace.

“"I see nothing to suggest that they are seeking peace."”

Recounts being consulted ahead of the Nordic call, says the UAE talks are provisionally planned for 4 November with a European impression of very restrained optimism, urges vigilance because Russia's agenda is precisely defined, and says Russia lost 2,500 men in one night three or four nights ago.

“"We should not have any illussions; it is clear what the Russian side is playing at, but I will remain in constant contact with all those who possess the good will and the belief that an agreement is possible – or at the very least, a ceasefire before winter."”

In the Kremlin readout, blames the EU and NATO for confrontational policies and demands full and unconditional recognition of Russia's legitimate interests.

“"full and unconditional recognition of the legitimate interests of the Russian Federation"”

Calls for real de-escalatory steps in the conflict after being debriefed by the two Nordic leaders.

“"real de-escalatory steps"”

Confirms the Finnish-Norwegian call with Putin was coordinated with Ukraine and calls it the right approach, says Kyiv wants new momentum in peace talks and is ready for partial ceasefires and a full end to hostilities, and welcomes a Zelensky-Putin meeting.

“"We welcome such active support for our diplomatic efforts and peace process. This call was, as it was mentioned, coordinated with us, and this is the right approach."”

Confirms the Oleshky humanitarian ceasefire, saying its timing was accelerated two days ahead of schedule to protect civilians and that its geographic area was expanded within Kherson region to provide safe passage for humanitarian convoys.

“"timing was accelerated two days ahead of schedule to protect the safety of civilians and to facilitate the delivery of critical humanitarian aid."”

Warns that Putin is testing Britain and NATO's resolve and condemns hybrid threats and state-sponsored terrorism from Russia.

“"testing us and testing Nato’s resolve"”

Says attempts by the US and Russia to end the war can never find solutions without Ukraine, that European countries must also be at the table, and that Germany will support Ukraine as long as Putin does not want to end the war.

“"as long as he [Putin] does not want to end the war, we will support Ukraine"”

Argues only increased pressure on Russia will make it take peace negotiations seriously, that every contact must convey European unity, and that there is no indication Russia has changed its strategic objectives.

“"Only increased pressure on Russia will make it take peace negotiations seriously."”

Condemns the Brașov defence plant arson as a grave violation of Romania's sovereignty and describes it as part of a premeditated, coordinated campaign to weaken European states from within.

“"Let it be clear: these are not isolated, unrelated incidents; rather, they are part of a premeditated and coordinated campaign aimed at sowing division within our societies and undermining the commitment of European states to their own security and to collective defence."”

Says three tankers carrying Russian diesel are currently en route to the United States, with a fourth expected to depart the following day under the sanctions-easing deal.

“"At present, three tankers"”

Describes the call with Putin as frank and substantive and says it was linked to upcoming Russia-Ukraine-US talks expected in Abu Dhabi.

““frank and substantive””

Indicated after the call that big differences remained with Russia.

Says the Europeans offered “nothing new” and are simply trying to insert themselves into the negotiation process.

““nothing new””

Criticizes the Nordic initiative as not agreed with other European allies and says she sees no signs Russia wants peace with Europe.

““I am very sceptical about this independent initiative by Norway and Finland. It was not agreed with any of us,””

Has said he is willing to resume peace talks only on Russia's hardline terms, including handover of the entire Donbas and further territory in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.

Says Russia must stop dragging out the war and welcomes European attempts to end it; says Stubb and Støre briefed him and conveyed the need for de-escalation, especially in energy and infrastructure.

““Alex and Jonas clearly conveyed to the Russian leadership the need for genuine steps towards de-escalation, particularly when it comes to our energy sector and infrastructure,””

Requested the humanitarian mission and said it was brought forward by two days to allow delivery of critical aid, with scope extended within the Kherson region.

Says residents fear Russian officials may filter out evacuees with pro-Ukraine views, checking phones for evidence of Ukrainian relatives or ties to the armed forces.

““People say they are genuinely afraid that the Russians will check their phones and look for evidence of Ukrainian relatives or ties to the Armed Forces of Ukraine – something they have done repeatedly in other occupied territories,””

Calls for a ceasefire.

Calls for a ceasefire.

Calls for a ceasefire.

Says Prime Minister Modi constantly raises the question of ending the conflict and has very good ideas.

““constantly raises the question about putting an end to the conflict” and “very good ideas””

Says India has put forward the most comprehensive proposal to end the war and for the first time signalled willingness to play a role.

““We have four proposals. The most comprehensive is India’s proposal. For the first time, India has signalled its willingness to play a role.””

Says India is in conversations with Russia and Ukraine and trying to be helpful on Black Sea shipping, grain, energy and non-attack possibilities.

““We are trying to be helpful, starting with the Black Sea safety of shipping issue, but going beyond that to cover some immediate concerns which both of them have on grain exports, on energy exports, on non-attack possibilities. So those are ongoing conversations right now.””

Defends the diesel deal with Putin as the right choice for Americans and blames the EU and media for criticism.

““The European Union paid Russia 250 Billion Dollars for Energy, and the Fake News Media doesn’t want to get near that story. I made the right choice for the American People.””

Conveys to Zelensky after the call with Putin that the Russians appear seriously committed to the Abu Dhabi meeting.

Conveys to Zelensky after the call with Putin that the Russians appear seriously committed to the Abu Dhabi meeting.

Says Russia appears seriously committed to the Abu Dhabi trilateral meeting and that its agenda includes initial de-escalation steps on energy and at sea, prisoner exchange, security guarantees, and the format for a leaders' meeting; U.S. partners asked to change the date due to Middle East issues.

““Immediately after the conversation, Stubb and Stere called me and said they had concluded their discussion. Basically, they conveyed that there seems to be a sense that the Russians are seriously committed to the meeting in Abu Dhabi. The agenda is expected to include the following issues: initial de-escalation steps, key priorities for the Ukrainian side—particularly security-related ones—and, in general, ending this war,””

Says it is not enough to talk only to Kyiv and that dialogue with all of Europe is necessary.

““It is not enough to talk only to Kyiv. It is necessary to engage in dialogue with all of Europe, which fully supports Kyiv.””

Is named as the leading candidate to head the EU delegation to the Abu Dhabi talks.

Says it is committed to ending the war and achieving a just and lasting peace and defends this position in negotiations.

““We are firmly committed not merely to ending the war, but also to achieving a peace that will be just and lasting. This is our goal, and it is precisely this position that we are defending in the ongoing negotiations.””

Accused Ukrainian military forces of causing the humanitarian catastrophe in Oleshky.

Says Russia must demine roads and will try to send evacuees toward Russia, while Ukraine will support those evacuated to Ukrainian-controlled territory.

““Русские должны будут разминировать дороги. Мы не знаем, какую именно дорогу россияне разминируют, но, безусловно, они сделают так, чтобы люди поехали в сторону России и остались там.”” ru

Mediated a local truce to allow evacuation of civilians through a humanitarian corridor.

Warns the evacuation may be the last chance and fears Oleshky will be erased once the world believes everyone has left.

““Когда по телевидению во всем мире покажут, что из Олешек выехали десятки автобусов с людьми, когда прозвучит, что эвакуация состоялась и город практически опустел, мы очень боимся, что после этого Олешки начнут просто стирать с лица земли.”” ru

Says his family is packed for evacuation but has not been told the route and has food for only a couple of days.

““Мы всей семьей записались на эвакуацию, уже буквально сидим на чемоданах, еды осталось на пару дней. Но нам не сказали, каким именно маршрутом мы поедем.”” ru

Says the evacuation will proceed in three stages: ceasefire and demining, delivery of food and medicine, and removal of those wishing to leave.

Blamed Ukrainian military forces for the humanitarian crisis in Oleshky.

Says China’s position on Ukraine is consistent and it will continue promoting peace talks, but has no information on a trilateral summit.

““在乌克兰危机问题上，中方的立场是一贯的，我们将继续积极致力于劝和促谈，推动危机政治解决。你提到的中俄美三方的元首会晤，目前我没有可以提供的信息。”” zh