Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store have held separate telephone talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, discussing the war in Ukraine and possible paths toward peace.

The conversations mark a notable diplomatic development as most European leaders have largely avoided direct contact with Putin since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The Kremlin confirmed the discussions but provided limited details about what was said. The calls come amid renewed diplomatic efforts to explore a settlement, although no breakthrough or ceasefire agreement has been announced.

Meanwhile, Russian forces continued attacks on Kyiv, underscoring the gap between diplomatic contacts and the ongoing fighting on the ground.

The talks could signal renewed efforts to keep communication channels open with Moscow, but whether they will lead to meaningful progress toward ending the war remains uncertain.