Significant new diplomatic development: Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre held direct telephone talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a rare high-level European diplomatic contact with Moscow since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Key verified developments
Direct contact confirmed: Finland and Norway initiated the conversation following consultations with Ukraine.
Negotiations: The leaders discussed ending the war and preparations for expected US–Russia–Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi in November.
European position: Both leaders called for de-escalation and renewed negotiations while reaffirming continued support for Ukraine.
Russian position: The Kremlin said any settlement must account for Russia’s interests. Putin also accused NATO and the EU of prolonging the conflict.
Regional security: Discussions included stability in the Baltic Sea and northern Europe.
The Norwegian government’s official statement and Reuters confirm the call.
Verification and limitations
Confirmed: The conversation occurred, was initiated by the Nordic leaders and was coordinated with Ukraine.
Not established: Any ceasefire agreement, territorial compromise, change in sanctions or breakthrough in peace negotiations.
Geopolitical assessment
The call represents a potentially consequential diplomatic opening.
Two NATO countries bordering Russia have established direct communication with Putin while maintaining their support for Kyiv.
However, renewed dialogue should not be confused with progress toward a settlement.
Moscow and Kyiv remain divided over fundamental territorial and security questions.
Breaking | Ansar Allah Claims Missile Strike on Saudi Defence Ministry — New Attacks Reported Against Military Aircraft
📍 October 27, 2026 | Riyadh – Najran – Khamis Mushait – Bab el-Mandeb
New military claims emerged this afternoon, expanding the reported targets beyond the previously covered Ras Tanura refinery attack.
Saudi Defence Ministry: Ansar Allah spokesperson Yahya Saree announced a ballistic missile attack against the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh, claiming a direct hit.
Separately, Bloomberg cited a person familiar with the situation who said Saudi Arabia had contained a fire near the Ras Tanura oil terminal early Tuesday.
Ras Tanura is Saudi Arabia’s largest refinery, with capacity of approximately 550,000 barrels per day. The complex also serves a major oil-export terminal.
In another development, Saudi authorities briefly issued an air-raid warning in Riyadh on Tuesday afternoon. The Saudi-led coalition subsequently announced the interception of two ballistic missiles heading toward the capital.
Military aircraft: Saree separately claimed two ballistic missiles targeted military transport aircraft, one at Najran Airport and another at King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait.
Bab el-Mandeb front: Ansar Allah claimed to have repelled an advance by Saudi-backed forces, using ballistic missiles and heavy weapons. The group reported substantial casualties and destroyed vehicles.
Military Assessment
The newly declared targets suggest an attempt to pressure Saudi military command structures and air-transport capabilities while resisting government advances near the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait.