Norway and Finland are talking to Russia. Should others follow?

This was essentially a continuation of efforts initiated last week, when the two Nordic leaders met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff prior to his visit to the Russian President in Saint Petersburg. The purpose of the Nordic leaders’ conversation with Putin was to convey a position regarding future negotiations aimed at ending the war.

“This war entails enormous human and material costs. The suffering and destruction will affect future generations. During the conversation, we emphasised the importance of actions leading to the de-escalation of the war,” Støre stated.

The Finnish President described the conversation as direct and substantive. “We are Russia’s neighbours. The outcome of this war will have a direct impact on our security and the security of Europe. This necessitates dialogue to bring about an end to the war,” Stubb emphasised in an official statement.

The leaders also reportedly discussed a meeting between representatives of Ukraine, Russia, and the US scheduled for November in Abu Dhabi. Støre and Stubb noted that they were acting as representatives of their own respective nations, rather than the whole of Europe.

Other states should follow

For Russia-bordering states, it should come as no surprise that Finland and Norway want to partake in the negotiation process. It is, however, worth noting that both leaders were acting as representatives of their own respective nations and not on behalf of the whole of Europe. Europe seems to be falling behind when it comes to the negotiation process. Other Russia-bordering states like Poland and the Baltics are yet to engage in talks with Vladimir Putin. If they do not follow in Norway’s and Finland’s footsteps, they will be left behind.