Volodymyr Zelensky and US envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Oslo for talks on ending Russia’s war against Ukraine. Norway and Finland organised the meeting at Kyiv’s request. The encounter follows disagreements over American assistance and Zelensky’s call with Marco Rubio on air defence and intelligence cooperation. No negotiated settlement was announced.
Geopolitics··Evening
Norway and Finland organise the encounter
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US special envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Oslo for discussions on ending Russia’s war against Ukraine. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said Norway and Finland had organised the encounter at Ukraine’s request. The meeting brings American representatives and European partners into direct contact with Kyiv. Støre described the timing as critical for Ukraine. Jared Kushner, another American participant, was expected to join remotely because he was ill. Ukraine requested contacts with both the United States and European partners.[1], [2]
Air defence and intelligence preceded the Oslo talks
Before travelling, Zelensky spoke by telephone with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The Ukrainian president described the conversation as constructive and said it addressed air defence and intelligence cooperation. Rubio said the discussion covered Ukraine’s requirements for Patriot missile interceptors and satellite information. The contacts followed public disagreements between Washington and Kyiv over American assistance and the approach to negotiations with Russia.[1]
Satellite communications are another point of contention. Zelensky had accused Washington of limiting the speed of Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. Ukraine’s forces also use the company’s military-grade Starshield network. Following his conversation with Rubio, Zelensky did not confirm an American commitment to restore those services or provide the requested missile interceptors. President Donald Trump had criticised the Ukrainian leader and suggested someone else negotiate on Kyiv’s behalf. Trump also lifted sanctions on Russian diesel exports, a decision Zelensky condemned as rewarding Russian President Vladimir Putin.[2]
Intelligence-sharing dispute remains unresolved
Zelensky’s military technology adviser Serhii Beskrestnov had criticised aspects of American support. Rubio denied allegations that the United States was withholding intelligence from Ukraine. The competing statements left the status of particular intelligence flows unresolved. The Oslo meeting concerns diplomatic efforts toward a settlement, with Norway and Finland providing an organising and hosting role. At the point described by the reports, there was no signed peace arrangement or jointly announced implementation timetable.[1]
