Zelenskiy meets US envoy in Oslo as relations with Washington remain tense

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met with US special envoy Steve Witkoff in Oslo on Tuesday, marking a critical attempt to repair diplomatic ties with Washington amid deteriorating relations. The meeting occurred as President Donald Trump continues to court Moscow, recently waiving sanctions on Russia and publicly questioning Zelenskiy’s leadership while urging Kyiv to negotiate an end to the ongoing war.

Kyiv had previously voiced frustration over a lack of early warning intelligence for Russian missile launches, disrupted Starshield satellite links for drones, and delayed air defense shipments. However, following a phone call between Zelenskiy and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier on Tuesday, the Ukrainian President confirmed that early warning systems have been restored. Zelenskiy also discussed the procurement of Patriot missile interceptors and the technical functionality of satellite systems with Rubio, expressing plans to reconnect with him within 48 hours.

Looking ahead, US special envoy Witkoff is scheduled to travel to Russia on Wednesday following his consultations with leaders from Ukraine, Norway, and Finland. Meanwhile, Trump’s policy shift—which includes purchasing Russian diesel—has triggered bipartisan opposition within the US Congress and concern among European allies, while Russia continues to intensify strikes against Ukrainian energy infrastructure.