Witkoff to visit Russia after Oslo talks with Zelenskiy and Nordic leaders

Oslo, Norway. US special envoy Steve Witkoff is due in Russia on Wednesday following meetings in Oslo with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and the leaders of Norway and Finland. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, said Kyiv should bring its war with Moscow to an end.

Security guarantees discussed

Zelenskiy said the Oslo discussions covered security assurances for Ukraine, including commitments comparable to NATO’s Article 5, under which an attack against one member is considered an attack against every member.

He expressed gratitude that the US side had reaffirmed that the guarantees would be strong. According to Zelenskiy, a document setting out different forms of security guarantees would be presented to Russia by Witkoff, with feedback expected a day later.

Military support and intelligence

In a phone conversation earlier on Tuesday, Zelenskiy and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed Patriot interceptor supplies and Starlink, the satellite-based system provided by the US.

Kyiv had complained that Starlink ceased functioning when installed on rapidly moving objects, including drones. Ukraine had also accused Washington of withholding essential military assistance and intelligence.

Zelenskiy said Ukraine was once again getting advance alerts about incoming Russian missiles and welcomed the restored service. He expected another conversation with Rubio within 48 hours.

Strained relations with Washington

Zelenskiy went to Oslo seeking to mend relations with Washington, which had deteriorated to new lows amid Trump’s outreach to Moscow.

Trump’s recent moves towards Russia, including an agreement to purchase Russian diesel and a waiver of new sanctions, have drawn opposition from both parties in the US Congress and caused concern among European capitals.