Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held talks with US special envoy Steve Witkoff in Oslo on Tuesday, a meeting aimed at stabilizing diplomatic relations that have deteriorated sharply in recent weeks. The discussions took place against a backdrop of public friction between Kyiv and the Trump administration, including comments from President Donald Trump suggesting Ukraine should seek new leadership for negotiations.
Oslo peace talks and diplomatic efforts
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre organized the summit, inviting Finnish President Alexander Stubb to join the proceedings. Støre stated that Zelensky specifically requested the involvement of Oslo and Helsinki to help steer relations toward a more constructive path at a critical juncture for Ukraine. The goal of the gathering was to ensure a diplomatic resolution to the war that results in a lasting and just peace.
Zelensky arrived in the Norwegian capital accompanied by key figures including intelligence chief Rustem Umerov and lawmaker Davyd Arakhamia. Both had previously engaged in talks in Miami with Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. Those earlier discussions reportedly ended abruptly after the Ukrainian delegation learned of a US decision to lift sanctions on Russian diesel exports, a move Zelensky criticized as a gift to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
During the Oslo session, Zelensky described his conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as constructive. The Ukrainian leader emphasized the urgent need for early warning systems regarding missile launches, continued supply of missile interceptors, and the maintenance of SpaceX’s Starlink internet network in Ukraine.
Intelligence sharing and weapon delays
Tensions over military support have intensified following accusations from Zelensky’s top military adviser, Serhii Beskrestnov, known as “Flash.” Beskrestnov told the BBC that inconsistent US intelligence warnings, particularly about ballistic missile attacks, have resulted in unnecessary loss of life. He noted that Kyiv sometimes receives alerts before strikes but often does not, creating dangerous gaps in defense.
Secretary Rubio dismissed these claims as “scandalous,” asserting that the US has not intentionally withheld any information from Kyiv. However, Rubio admitted that the delivery of additional Patriot interceptor missiles, which remain Ukraine’s primary defense against Russian ballistic threats, has not yet been approved. Unconfirmed reports indicated that the transfer of these systems is still pending.
Adding to the complexity, a bipartisan group of US senators has called for an investigation into speed restrictions placed on the Starlink network in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Vice-President JD Vance recently characterized Ukraine as a partner with divergent interests rather than a formal ally, citing disagreements over Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure.
European leaders have also voiced concern over the shifting US stance. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the current situation as sending “mixed pictures and messages,” noting that Europe is increasingly shouldering the financial burden of Ukraine’s defense since US payments ceased at the start of 2025. Merz stated he is working to convince the American government that the conflict must be resolved jointly.
While Witkoff participated in the Oslo talks, he was not expected to join the subsequent press conference with Zelensky, Støre, and Stubb. Speculation remains about whether Witkoff will travel to Russia next, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressing appreciation for American mediation efforts.
Amid the diplomatic maneuvering, Russian drone attacks continued unabated. Ukrainian officials reported at least 10 deaths on Tuesday, including a strike on a cardiology institute in Kyiv that injured one patient. Zelensky condemned recent attacks in the Kharkiv region as an “absolute atrocity” after a drone strike killed a toddler and an 11-year-old girl.
Source: BBC
