In brief
President Zelensky touched down at Oslo’s Gardermoen airport on Tuesday for a high‑stakes meeting with US special envoy Steve Witkoff, the first part of a trip that could reshape strained US‑Ukraine ties. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned claims that Kyiv was let down by missing intelligence, calling such allegations “scandalous” and “outrageous.” Zelensky’s military advisers have voiced frustration over inconsistent early warning from Washington, raising fears that the lack of reliable intel is costing lives. Meanwhile, European leaders, including Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, seek a constructive path toward a lasting peace, while the U.S. grapples with questions over Patriot missile deliveries and Starlink disruptions. The talks are also seen as an opportunity to mitigate rising tensions between Washington and Kyiv over defense support and broader geopolitical alignment.
The Ukrainian president touched down at Oslo’s Gardermoen airport on Tuesday, embarking on a trip that could alter the strained relationship between Kyiv and Washington.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio vehemently denounced accusations that Kyiv was suffering because the United States was withholding vital intelligence, calling the claims “scandalous” and “outrageous.” The remarks followed remarks by Zelensky’s military technical adviser Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov, who told the BBC that inconsistent early warnings had cost Ukrainian lives.
The meeting will see special envoy Steve Witkoff convene with representatives from the United States, European allies, and NATO. Jared Kushner will join via video link, while leaders from Finland, the UK, Poland, France, Germany, and the European Union are expected to be present.
Washington’s stance has grown colder in recent weeks, with former President Donald Trump hinting that Ukraine needs a new president and a new negotiator. This has amplified tensions as Kyiv pushes for more Patriot missile interceptors and a reliable Starlink network.
European leaders have warned of the burden of sustaining Ukraine’s defense. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz highlighted that European budgets are bearing the weight of a war that began in 2025, stressing the need for joint resolution.
Vice‑President John D. Vance framed Ukraine as a partnership rather than a formal ally, noting divergences on issues such as the bombing of Russian energy infrastructure.
As the talks unfold, observers will be watching closely to see whether the U.S. and Ukraine can mend their relationship or if the conflict’s diplomatic trajectory will remain uncertain.
