STOCKHOLM, November 2. /TASS/. Finnish President Alexander Stubb described his phone conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin as an element of deterrence and part of efforts to maintain strategic stability.

"We made it clear that our support for Ukraine remains unwavering. This kind of communication should also be viewed as an element of deterrence and as part of our efforts to maintain strategic stability," the presidential office quoted him as saying at the opening of the 258th National Defense Course in Helsinki.

During his speech, the Finnish president added that the central task of the country’s foreign and security policy is "building alliances and strengthening the unity of Europe and the West." A key element of the country’s strategy is not only strategic deterrence but also "escalation management," he noted. In this context, according to Stubb, Finland must "continue to invest in defense, readiness, and security." "As with deterrence, managing escalation involves both preparing for the future and being able to respond to a range of situations, including unexpected ones. It can help us create opportunities and room for maneuver," the Finnish head of state noted.

On October 27, a phone call took place between Stubb, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, and Putin at the request of the Finnish and Norwegian sides. The leaders discussed Ukraine, security in the Baltic region, and Northern Europe. They welcomed the agreement to resume trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the US in Abu Dhabi in the first half of November.