Finnish and Norwegian leaders hold rare ‘frank and substantive’ call with Putin on Ukraine – Europe live

Alexander Stubb and Jonas Gahr Store say they have briefed Volodymyr Zelenskyy after discussion with Russia's president about next month's Abu Dhabi peace talks

Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that real de-escalatory steps are needed regarding our energy and infrastructure" ahead of critical winter months, as he responded to the reported call with Putin.

In his debrief with Finland's Stubb and Norway's Store, the leaders also discussed preparations for the Abu Dhabi talks next month.

Finland and Norway, as countries that border Russia, have a particular interest in sound and reliable security arrangements.

We also discussed various formats for our engagement with partners in Europe that could be useful in further supporting diplomacy, our defence, and our shared security.