Diplomatic Talks in Oslo Precede Envoy Trip to Russia
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff traveled to Russia on Wednesday following high-level diplomatic discussions in Oslo, Norway, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and regional leaders to establish a framework for ending the war.
The diplomatic push involves intensive negotiations over security guarantees, territorial discussions, and potential ceasefire formats. Zelenskyy stated on Tuesday that the next step should be a trilateral meeting involving himself, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and US President Donald Trump, a format that Russia has thus far rejected. A US official noted that Washington hopes the newly developed proposals will create a pathway toward direct trilateral and broader multilateral negotiations.
Oslo Meetings Yield Progress on Framework Agreement
The discussions in Oslo centered on developing a unified proposal for a framework agreement to end the conflict. A US official told NBC News that the meetings among Witkoff, Kushner, Zelenskyy, and other officials were very productive and constructive. The official added that Ukraine brought forward new ideas and proposals that were discussed in detail, resulting in meaningful progress and strong working-level alignment on next steps.
Today, we had important talks with our American partners and with our other partners from Europe. Steve Witkoff was also here with us in Oslo, and Jared Kushner joined us online.Ukraine immediately supported American proposal for an energy ceasefire. But Russia responded by… pic.twitter.com/WEGon2JjHA
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that a range of issues were addressed, including security guarantees modeled on NATO structures. According to Ukrinform, Zelenskyy noted discussions regarding Article 5 and an alternative option dubbed “Article 5 light.” Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre described the Oslo meeting as good and constructive, while Finnish President Alexander Stubb remarked that the peace process is back on track, as reported by Reuters.
Jared Kushner Presses Demand on Russian Oil Refineries
During the Oslo meetings, Jared Kushner joined virtually and pressed a specific demand from President Trump regarding military tactics. A source with knowledge of the discussion told Axios that Kushner was very direct in demanding that Ukraine halt strikes on Russian oil refineries. Zelenskyy responded that he is prepared to cease such strikes if Moscow takes reciprocal steps.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Oslo Talks
What specific security guarantees did Ukraine discuss with US and European officials in Oslo?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that discussions included potential NATO-style security arrangements, specifically referencing Article 5 and an alternative option referred to as “Article 5 light,” according to Ukrinform.
Who participated in the diplomatic meetings in Oslo alongside Steve Witkoff?
The Oslo talks included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and virtual participation from Jared Kushner, alongside representatives from France, the UK, Germany, Poland, the EU, and NATO.
Ukraine is working for peace. I thank our partners for their support! pic.twitter.com/ocTVnk05wQ
What is the next scheduled diplomatic stop for US envoy Steve Witkoff?
Following the conclusion of talks in Oslo, Steve Witkoff traveled to St. Petersburg, Russia, on Wednesday to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the proposed framework agreement, with Jared Kushner participating virtually, according to Reuters and NBC News.
More on Oslo
🇺🇸🇷🇺After talks with Ukrainian President Zelensky, White House envoy Steve Witkoff will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg on Wednesday and present him with an updated proposal to end the war in Ukraine. My report on @axios https://t.co/7xYGNQtLK7
Keep reading