The United States has reported significant progress in diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine following talks in Oslo between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Washington described the discussions as “highly productive”, with attention now turning to Witkoff’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin today..

According to a US official speaking to Agence France-Presse (AFP), there is now “strong alignment between the US, Ukraine and Europe on the next steps”, aimed at laying the groundwork for an agreement that could bring the conflict to an end.

The official confirmed that Witkoff would meet Putin on Wednesday as diplomatic efforts continue. The US envoy is expected to travel to St Petersburg, carrying proposals discussed with Ukrainian and European representatives.

Zelensky meets Witkoff in Norway. https://t.co/cwOXq0Us1f

— Clash Report (@clashreport) October 20, 2026

Progress in Oslo as attention turns to Moscow’s response

Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who participated in Tuesday’s talks in the Norwegian capital, said there had been “real progress” on peace proposals, although he provided no further details. He also cautioned that patience would be needed before meaningful results could be achieved.

Zelensky and his European allies said the next move was now up to Russia, which must respond to the proposals agreed in Oslo.

Witkoff did not attend the joint press conference following the negotiations, while Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and another of his key envoys, participated in the meeting by video link.

Putin has yet to comment publicly on the latest developments. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had earlier said the Kremlin was prepared to listen to Witkoff’s proposals while ruling out “any political concessions”.

Zelensky says US intelligence sharing is working again

Particular attention was paid to Zelensky’s comments on intelligence sharing with Washington, following allegations from Kyiv that the US had restricted the provision of crucial information about Russian missile attacks.

Those allegations had fuelled fresh tensions between the two countries, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissing them as “outrageous”.

Following the Oslo discussions, however, Zelensky expressed satisfaction that cooperation had been restored. “We are grateful that intelligence sharing is now working,” he said.

Referring specifically to the early-warning system for ballistic missile attacks, the Ukrainian president stressed its importance in protecting civilians.

“As for early warning, which is very important for our people, for children, adults and civilians, because we can know when a ballistic missile is approaching, we are grateful to the American side. It is now working, and that is excellent,” he said.

Zelensky also expressed hope for a positive development regarding access to SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network, following reports from the Ukrainian military of restrictions on its operating speeds.

The network is used by Ukrainian forces, including to conduct drone strikes against Russian targets.

Security guarantees and a proposed energy ceasefire

Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s willingness to participate in negotiations to end the war, while highlighting the heavy human cost of continuing Russian attacks.

“Of course, we are not losing this war, but we are losing people because Russia is attacking,” he said.

According to Zelensky, the talks also covered strong security guarantees for Ukraine and proposals for a ceasefire covering energy infrastructure.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, who also took part in the discussions, stressed that Europe must play an active role in shaping any agreement.

Europe, he said, “must be at the table” in negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war.

Zelensky was accompanied in Oslo by Ukrainian intelligence chief Rustem Umerov and influential Ukrainian MP Davyd Arakhamia. Both had participated in talks with Witkoff and Kushner in Miami earlier this month.

Miami negotiations and the dispute over Russian oil

The earlier Miami negotiations were reportedly interrupted abruptly when the Ukrainian delegation learned that Trump had announced Moscow would immediately begin supplying more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel to the United States and other markets.

According to reports, the development effectively marked the end of US sanctions on Russian diesel exports.

Zelensky reacted angrily, describing the decision as a “birthday present” for Putin.

The energy dimension of the war has become increasingly significant in US domestic politics as next month’s midterm elections approach.

Trump has blamed Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries for rising fuel prices, which have been increasing since the start of the US-led war against Iran.

Patriot missiles, Starlink and Rubio’s assurances

Before the Oslo meeting, Zelensky said he had held a “constructive discussion” with Rubio about the need for US early-warning intelligence, anti-ballistic missiles and access to Starlink.

Restrictions on the satellite network have also raised concerns in the US Congress. Last week, a bipartisan group of senators called for an urgent investigation into speed restrictions affecting Starlink services in Ukraine.

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 continuing its attacks. We offered different options. We are ready not to hit sensitive parts of Russia’s energy sector if Russia stops hitting ours. Putin said no. But we’re working to find a solution. We have some clear ideas on how to get to peace. And we are united with our European partners in this effort, and we want the Americans to take these ideas to the Russians. One of the important ideas is to move to a potential trilateral meeting of the leaders to address the issues that only the leaders can do. Steve is going to Russia tomorrow. Let’s see what Putin has to say. Thank you to everyone who stands with Ukraine and stands for peace. From a joint press conference with Jonas Gahr Støre and Alex Stubb.

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) October 20, 2026

Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports circulating earlier on Tuesday suggested that the delivery of additional US Patriot interceptor missiles had yet to be approved.

These missiles are the only effective weapon available to Ukraine for intercepting Russian ballistic missiles.

Rubio, who is visiting India, acknowledged to reporters that the Patriot interceptors might indeed not yet have reached Ukraine.

He clarified, however, that there had been no deliberate refusal to supply military equipment to Kyiv.

Trump increases pressure on Kyiv as White House demands a deal

Despite positive assessments of the talks in Norway, relations between Washington and Kyiv have deteriorated significantly in recent weeks.

Trump has gone so far as to suggest that it is time for Ukraine to have a new president, more recently arguing that “someone else should negotiate on behalf of Ukraine”.

Following Zelensky’s press conference in Oslo, Trump returned to the issue, telling reporters at the White House that he wanted Kyiv to “make a deal”.

He added that Russia wanted to “get it over with” and argued that “it is time for Ukraine to end this war”.

Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and currently controls approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory.

Attacks have continued despite the diplomatic activity.

According to Ukrainian authorities, at least 10 people were killed in Russian drone attacks on Tuesday. Four died in Kyiv and the surrounding region, another four in the eastern Donetsk region, and two in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro.

European concerns grow as Merz and Vance highlight divisions

The latest statements from Washington concerning Russia have deepened concerns among European allies.

On Monday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz spoke of “contradictory images and messages” surrounding the war in Ukraine, stressing that he was trying to persuade the entire US administration of the need for a common approach.

“I am trying to convince the entire American administration that this is something we must resolve together,” he said.

Speaking to Bloomberg TV, Merz also highlighted the substantial financial burden the war has placed on Europe.

“It really is a major effort for our budgets, it really is a major issue for the European Union, but we are doing it and trying to continue doing it until this terrible war is over,” he said.

Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance stopped short of describing Ukraine as an American ally during an interview on Monday.

Asked about the relationship, Vance said Kyiv was “certainly a partner in some respects”, while emphasising that the two countries also had differing interests.

“We have occasionally divergent interests, such as, for example, that I think they should stop bombing Russian energy facilities,” he said.

Vance also stressed that Washington and Kyiv have no formal defence alliance and reiterated his opposition to Ukraine joining NATO.

“We don’t have a formal alliance, as far as I know, with Ukraine. They’re not a member of NATO, and I don’t think they should be a member of NATO. We’ll cooperate on some issues, but on others we’ll find ourselves on opposite sides,” he said.

The differing approaches within the West underline the difficulties still facing efforts to bring the war to an end.

Despite the optimism surrounding the Oslo talks, Moscow’s response and the forthcoming meeting between Witkoff and Putin now represent the next crucial test for the diplomatic process.