Zelensky to Meet US Envoys in Oslo Amid Strained Relations
US special envoy's arrival in Norway precedes talks aimed at improving Ukraine's standing with Washington, as Washington denies withholding critical intelligence.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet with US special envoy Steve Witkoff in Oslo, Norway, as relations between Kyiv and the Trump administration show signs of strain. The meeting, also involving European allies, was requested by Zelensky to address what he described as a "critical time for Ukraine."
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has refuted claims that the United States is withholding intelligence from Ukraine, which some Ukrainian officials believe has led to preventable casualties. "This looks very strange," stated Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov, Zelensky's military technical adviser, regarding inconsistent intelligence warnings from the US. Rubio called the accusations "scandalous" and "outrageous."
Recent weeks have seen escalating friction, with President Trump suggesting Ukraine needs a new leader and "somebody else to negotiate on behalf of Ukraine." Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre stated that the Oslo talks aim to steer relations toward a "more constructive path" and ensure a lasting, just peace achieved diplomatically.
Zelensky reported a "constructive discussion" with Rubio concerning the necessity of US early warning systems, missile interceptors, and the Starlink internet network. Earlier this month, a bipartisan group of US senators called for an investigation into disruptions affecting Starlink in Ukraine. Unconfirmed reports also suggest that the transfer of additional Patriot interceptors to Ukraine has not yet been approved. Rubio acknowledged that Patriot missiles may not have arrived in Ukraine but asserted that nothing has been intentionally denied to Kyiv.
Witkoff is expected to be joined in Oslo by Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, and representatives from Finland, the UK, Poland, France, Germany, the EU, and NATO. The Kremlin has expressed hope for a future meeting with the US special envoy, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating that Moscow "greatly appreciate[s] the mediation efforts of the American negotiators."
Earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Trump discussed the war via phone, after which Trump announced that Moscow would supply over 300,000 tons of diesel to the US and other markets, effectively ending US sanctions on Russian diesel exports.
European leaders have voiced concerns over recent US statements regarding Russia and the war in Ukraine. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz noted "mixed pictures and messages" and emphasized the need for a joint approach. He also highlighted that Europe and other countries have been shouldering the financial burden of Ukraine's defense since the start of 2025, stating, "It's really a big effort for our budgets... but we are doing that and we are trying to keep on doing that until this terrible war ends."
US Vice President JD Vance stated in a TV interview that while Ukraine is a "partner in some ways," there are "divergent interests." He added that Ukraine should "stop bombing Russian energy" and reiterated that Ukraine is "certainly a partner in some ways, but we have some divergent interests from time to time." Vance also clarified that the US does not have a formal alliance with Ukraine and does not believe Ukraine should join NATO.