Finland and Norway do not intend to act as mediators in efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, despite their recent direct contacts with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Axar.az reports, citing Russian media, that the statements were made at a joint press conference in Helsinki attended by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. The three countries’ diplomats discussed prospects for a peaceful settlement and continued support for Kyiv.

“We do not want to be mediators, but we believe we can make some contribution,” Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said.

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen said Helsinki supported the US-led peace process but had no intention of restoring relations with Russia to participate in the negotiations.

“Finland is not seeking the role of mediator; we are here to support Ukraine,” Valtonen said.

It should be noted that Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin today.