Key facts
- U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders in Oslo on Oct. 20.
- Witkoff is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Oct. 21.
- U.S.-Ukraine relations have reportedly soured over withheld aid and intelligence.
- President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Zelenskyy and has not condemned Russian attacks on energy infrastructure.
- Talks in Oslo addressed security guarantees for Ukraine and economic plans.
- Witkoff may also discuss the release of Stephen Hubbard, a 72-year-old American detained in Russia.
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European officials in Oslo on Oct. 20, amid reports of deteriorating ties between their countries. Witkoff is scheduled to meet Russian officials in St. Petersburg on Oct. 21 to discuss peace proposals for Ukraine.
President Donald Trump has urged Ukraine to settle the war, expressing frustration with U.S. aid levels and refusing to condemn Russia's attacks on energy infrastructure. Zelenskyy, meanwhile, warned that siding with Russian President Vladimir Putin would be a "historic mistake."
Talks in Oslo covered key elements of a peace framework, including security guarantees for Ukraine and economic plans. Zelenskyy confirmed that proposals have been developed by European, Ukrainian, and U.S. officials. Witkoff might also discuss the release of Stephen Hubbard, a 72-year-old American detained in Russia since 2022.