Ukrainian and Western Leaders Meet in Oslo for Peace Talks
The diplomatic discussions bring together Ukrainian, European, and American officials to shape peace proposals before a United States envoy presents terms to Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Oslo on October 20, 2026, for diplomatic discussions on ending the war with Russia. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Finnish President Alexander Stubb hosted the gathering to coordinate defense support and peace proposals.
United States special envoy Steve Witkoff attended the talks in person. Fellow American envoy Jared Kushner joined by videoconference because of an illness reported as the flu. During the meeting at the Norwegian government residence, Zelenskyy presented Witkoff with an award.
Representatives from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Poland, the European Union, and NATO were also scheduled to coordinate proposals. Støre said Ukraine requested the presence of Witkoff and Kushner. He added that no decisions would be made about Ukraine without Ukrainian involvement.
Støre stated that European leaders must have a direct voice in any settlement because the war is in Europe. Before departing Washington, President Donald Trump told reporters that Zelenskyy does not want to end the war. Trump added that Zelenskyy is not helping matters and suggested someone else should negotiate for Ukraine.
Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov said Moscow views the mediation efforts of American negotiators favorably. However, Peskov noted that any settlement requires a responsible figure in Kyiv who is willing to take responsibility.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine is maintaining contacts to secure peace, focusing on ballistic missile interceptors and joint arms production. He also informed American lawmakers that Washington appeared to make a political decision to slow military assistance to Ukraine.
Relations between Washington and Kyiv worsened after the Trump administration pressured Ukraine to halt long-range strikes on Russian oil refineries. The administration sought to reduce global energy prices before United States midterm elections. The Ukrainian military has faced severe shortages of American-supplied Patriot interceptors.
Zelenskyy alleged that the Pentagon delayed interceptor deliveries bought by partner countries. He also held a call with Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding Starshield communications and missile alerts. The talks followed Russian missile and drone strikes that killed at least nine people in Ukraine.
While in Oslo, Zelenskyy also met with the Norwegian royal family and visited the parliament.
Witkoff is scheduled to travel to Russia after the Oslo talks to present diplomatic proposals developed with Ukraine and European partners. The Kremlin stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin could meet with American envoys in Moscow as early as October 21, 2026.
