US Envoys and Ukrainian President Hold Talks in Oslo Amid Strained Relations

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with US special envoy Steve Witkoff in Oslo for talks organized by Norway and Finland aimed at repairing increasingly strained relations between Kyiv and Washington. The meeting took place with US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner participating via video link, while Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre stated the discussions were intended to steer diplomatic efforts toward a lasting peace.

The summit comes as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the administration against claims that Washington is withholding critical military intelligence from Kyiv. Ukrainian military adviser Serhii Beskrestnov told the BBC that inconsistent US warnings regarding Russian ballistic missile launches were costing lives. Rubio dismissed allegations of intentional delays as "scandalous," though he acknowledged during a visit to India that delays in delivering Patriot interceptor missiles may have occurred without deliberate intent.

Tensions Rise Over Strategy and Energy Policy

Relations between the US and Ukraine have deteriorated recently, with President Trump suggesting Ukraine needs new leadership and someone else to negotiate on its behalf. Tensions spiked further after a previous meeting in Miami between US envoys and Ukrainian officials ended abruptly when Trump announced an end to American sanctions on Russian diesel exports, leading Zelensky to publicly criticize the move.

US officials have also expressed disapproval of Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure. Ahead of upcoming US midterm elections, Trump blamed Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries for rising fuel prices linked to the US-led war on Iran. US Vice-President JD Vance clarified the administration's stance in a recent interview, stating that while Ukraine is a partner in certain respects, the two nations have divergent interests, particularly regarding attacks on Russian energy and potential NATO membership.

European Concerns and Future Negotiations

European allies have voiced concern over shifting US policies. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz highlighted the growing burden on European budgets, noting that the US has not funded Ukraine's defense since the beginning of 2025, leaving Europe and other nations to shoulder the financial costs. Merz emphasized the necessity of resolving the conflict jointly.

During the Oslo talks, Zelensky brought key officials, including intelligence chief Rustem Umerov, to discuss essential support, including early warning systems, air defense interceptors, and Starlink internet access. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed hope that Witkoff would visit Russia following the Oslo summit, stating that Moscow appreciates the mediation efforts of American negotiators.