Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was scheduled to meet with US special envoy Steve Witkoff in Oslo to improve relations that have become strained under President Trump’s approach towards Russia. Witkoff’s visit included discussions with leaders from Norway and Finland, while Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, was expected to join remotely. Zelenskiy also met with Norway’s King Haakon VIII and other leaders before his meeting with the US delegation.
Ukraine has expressed frustration with the US, claiming it has not provided timely warnings of Russian missile strikes, limited satellite links crucial for drone operations, and delayed delivering air defense systems that European allies have funded. While Washington denies any attempts to hinder Ukraine’s defense, Trump has criticized Zelenskiy, suggesting a change in Ukrainian leadership and indicating that Russia is handling the situation in Ukraine adequately. Trump has also called for negotiations to include new representatives from Ukraine.
Amid this tension, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that a shipment of US air defense missiles, purchased by European nations for Ukraine, might not have arrived yet but insisted that there was no deliberate policy to harm Ukraine. The Kremlin indicated interest in arranging a meeting between Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin, signaling ongoing discussions with both the US and Russia.
As US relations with Ukraine worsen, Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukrainian cities, primarily targeting energy infrastructure, which has caused widespread blackouts. Ukraine had initially refrained from attacking Russian oil refineries but resumed strikes after Russia continued its assaults. Recently, a drone strike killed three people near Kyiv, and multiple locations faced significant attacks leading to casualties and destruction.
Zelenskiy communicated with Rubio about the need for ballistic missile interceptors, early warnings of Russian strikes, and the restoration of critical satellite links. He emphasized that these discussions took place in the context of ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the war and reduce violence. The decline in US-Ukraine relations reportedly began when Trump lifted sanctions on Russian diesel, aiming to lower fuel prices and appease his political base before the upcoming midterm elections in the US.
Additionally, Trump’s waiver for tougher sanctions on Russia has further complicated matters. Washington insists it has not withheld intelligence or imposed restrictions on satellite communications, which Ukraine relies on for military operations. European nations are committed to Ukraine’s defense against Russia, though US military support under Trump has largely ceased, allowing European countries to procure weapons on Ukraine’s behalf instead. A report stated that the latest shipment of US arms for Ukraine had not yet been authorized.
With information from Reuters
