Zelenskyy Expects Briefing From US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff

Diplomatic Briefings and Technical Teams Shape Next Steps

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expects a briefing from United States Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, followed by a joint briefing involving Ukrainian, American, and European teams, pravda.com.ua reported. The upcoming coordination follows intensive diplomatic talks in Oslo and St. Petersburg regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Zelenskyy made the announcement during a press conference in Kyiv alongside Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo. The discussions build on a diplomatic sequence that began on October 20 in Oslo, where Zelenskyy met with Witkoff, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb to address territorial questions, security guarantees, and post-war reconstruction.

Negotiations Move Between Oslo and St. Petersburg

Following the discussions in Norway, Witkoff traveled to St. Petersburg on October 21 to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kremlin special representative Kirill Dmitriev. European Commission Chief Spokesperson Paula Piniu stated in Brussels that the Oslo talks served as a continuation of a prior meeting held two weeks earlier in Miami.

While Witkoff held talks in Russia, Zelenskyy remained in Oslo for additional consultations with Prime Minister Støre. Norwegian broadcaster NRK reported that officials awaited Witkoff’s return to the Norwegian capital to receive feedback from the Russian engagements.

Starlink Restrictions and Proposed Talks in the UAE

Beyond diplomatic meetings, Zelenskyy stated that he intends to receive information from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding Starlink, which continues to operate with restrictions in Ukraine. The Ukrainian leader expects this update between Friday and Saturday.

Looking ahead to November, technical teams from Ukraine, the United States, and Russia are slated to hold a high-level trilateral meeting. The United States has proposed the United Arab Emirates as the venue for these technical negotiations.

What Were the Priorities of the Oslo Talks?

What specific topics were prioritized during the Oslo talks?

Discussions in Oslo centered on three core areas for future peace in Ukraine: territorial arrangements, security guarantees, and post-war reconstruction and prosperity.

When and where did Steve Witkoff meet with Russian leadership?

Special Envoy Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on October 21 at the Constantine Palace in St. Petersburg.

Where has the United States proposed holding the upcoming trilateral technical meetings?

The U.S. side proposed holding the high-level technical meetings between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia in the United Arab Emirates in November.

More on this story: US Envoy Witkoff Meets Putin in St. Petersburg Following Oslo Talks with Zelenskyj · US Envoy Witkoff to Meet Putin After Peace Talks With Zelensky in Oslo

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“We continue to coordinate with Jonas Gahr Støre on our next steps towards a just peace.”

Volodymyr Zelenskyy