Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Oslo on Tuesday for high-stakes talks with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, as Washington’s envoy prepares what could be a follow-on trip to Moscow to meet Vladimir Putin.
Norway’s government confirmed the meeting, which also includes Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. Witkoff will attend in person while Kushner joins remotely, at Ukraine’s request, according to reports.
A difficult backdrop
The talks come amid visible strain between Kyiv and Washington. Zelensky told US senators on Monday that “the Pentagon is delaying the delivery of missiles” already paid for by European countries, with the shipment awaiting US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s signature, according to reports. Several European countries were ready to transfer Patriot interceptor missiles from their own stockpiles but still awaited US approval.
Ahead of the meeting, Zelensky said on Tuesday he held “substantive” and “constructive” talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, insisting the Starshield military satellite system Ukraine uses “needs to be restored” and that ballistic missile interceptors “are needed to protect lives”, according to reports. He has also accused Washington of giving no early warning of Russian missile strikes on energy facilities near Kyiv.
Moscow may be next
News outlet Axios cited an anonymous US official as saying Witkoff would then travel to Russia, “where he hopes to meet with President Vladimir Putin and present ideas”. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for confirmation, according to reports. During his Oslo visit, Zelensky will also meet Norway’s king and visit parliament.
US-led diplomatic efforts to end Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II have stalled in recent months, as Washington has shifted focus towards the war with Iran, according to reports. Store said Norway and Finland were pleased to continue the diplomatic work, with the aim of putting efforts “on a more constructive path”.
