Zelenskiy seeks to repair US ties in Oslo talks with Witkoff

Oslo, Norway. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was scheduled to hold talks with US special envoy Steve Witkoff on Tuesday in an effort to repair sharply deteriorating relations with Washington. The meeting comes amid Donald Trump’s outreach to Moscow and Kyiv’s accusations that the US has withheld crucial defence support.

Norway and Finland host discussions

Witkoff arrived in Oslo for discussions hosted by the Norwegian and Finnish leaders, while Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, was expected to participate remotely.

Before his planned meeting with the US delegation, Zelenskiy met Norway’s King Haakon VIII. His schedule then included discussions with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere and Finnish President Alexander Stubb.

Kyiv raises concerns over military support

According to Kyiv, Washington has recently stopped supplying advance alerts about Russian missile launches, restricted the SpaceX Starshield satellite connections used to guide Ukrainian drones, and left undelivered air defence systems purchased by European allies.

Washington rejects allegations that it has intentionally obstructed Ukraine’s military efforts.

Speaking to reporters while visiting India on Tuesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that a shipment of American air defence missiles purchased for Ukraine by European countries might not have arrived. He nevertheless denied any shift in US policy.

“The important takeaway for you is that there has not been some deliberate political directive to go out and harm Ukraine,” Rubio said.

Trump criticises Zelenskiy as Moscow seeks another meeting

Trump has repeatedly criticised Zelenskiy and urged his replacement. He has also waived sanctions against Russia, saying the move was intended to bring down fuel prices in the US.

On Monday, Trump again spoke favourably about Moscow while criticising Kyiv, saying: “Russia, frankly, has been fine on Ukraine.”

He accused Zelenskiy of doing little to help the situation and said Kyiv should select a different negotiator. Zelenskiy has rejected the sweeping conditions Russia has set for ending the war.

The Kremlin said it hoped to arrange talks soon involving Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin. That raised the prospect of another Kremlin visit by the US envoy, who has already made several, following his discussions with Zelenskiy.

Russian attacks intensify

Against the backdrop of worsening US-Ukrainian relations, Russia has intensified strikes against Ukrainian cities, with particular emphasis on power stations and fuel facilities. The attacks have continued despite Trump’s appeal for both countries to avoid striking one another’s energy infrastructure.