Zelenskiy meets US envoy Witkoff to repair strained relations

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 18:02 · Archive

Ukrainian President Zelenskiy is meeting US special envoy Steve Witkoff in Oslo to repair deteriorating relations over defence supplies.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is meeting US special envoy Steve Witkoff in Oslo in a bid to rescue relations that have deteriorated significantly. The talks are hosted by the leaders of Norway and Finland, with Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner expected to attend remotely. Zelenskiy met with Norway's King Haakon VIII and held talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere and Finnish President Alexander Stubb before his meeting with the US delegation.

Ukraine has complained that the US has failed to provide early warning of Russian missile launches, throttled SpaceX's Starshield satellite links that guide Ukrainian drones and failed to deliver air defences paid for by European allies. The US denies deliberately hindering Ukraine's war effort. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged on Tuesday that a consignment of US air defence missiles bought by European countries for Ukraine may not have been delivered, but stated: 'The important takeaway for you is that there has not been some deliberate political directive to go out and harm Ukraine.'

Tensions have been heightened by US President Donald Trump's repeated criticism of Zelenskiy and calls for his replacement. Trump has waived sanctions on Russia, saying this aims to lower US fuel prices. The Kremlin said it hopes to set up a meeting soon between Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggesting Witkoff could visit Moscow after meeting Zelenskiy. As US ties with Ukraine have deteriorated, Russia has stepped up attacks on Ukrainian cities, particularly targeting power stations and fuel.

How it is being reported

• Zelenskiy meets Witkoff as US-Ukraine relations ebbUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and US envoy Steve Witkoff are meeting in Norway in a bid to progress peace talks.The West Australian · 20 Oct, 17:26
• Zelenskiy meets Witkoff as US-Ukraine relations ebbUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and US envoy Steve Witkoff are meeting in Norway in a bid to progress peace talks.Perth Now · 20 Oct, 17:26

In this story: Volodymyr Zelenskiy · Steve Witkoff · Donald Trump · Vladimir Putin · Marco Rubio · Ukraine · United States · Russia

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