Zelensky, US Envoy Hold Oslo Talks as Rubio Denies Withholding Intelligence
US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are due to meet in Oslo on Wednesday, as relations between Kyiv and Washington continue to deteriorate. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said Zelensky had asked Oslo and neighbouring Finland to organise the meeting with US and European allies "at a critical time for Ukraine".
Ahead of the talks, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio rejected as "scandalous" and "outrageous" accusations that the United States was withholding intelligence from Ukraine, causing Ukrainian deaths. Rubio was responding to comments by Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov, a military technical adviser to Zelensky, who told the BBC that the lack of reliable US warnings meant lives were being lost. "This looks very strange," Beskrestnov said. "Sometimes we receive this information before the attack, another time we [do] not."
Relations between Kyiv and Washington have soured in recent weeks, with US President Donald Trump saying it is time for Ukraine to get a new president and, more recently, that "somebody else" should negotiate on behalf of Ukraine. The remarks have raised concerns about the future of US support for Ukraine, which has been the country's largest military backer since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
Zelensky first met the Norwegian prime minister and Finnish President Alexander Stubb ahead of his planned talks with Witkoff. Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner is expected to participate via video link. Støre said the aim of the Oslo talks was to steer relations towards "a more constructive path". He told reporters at the parliament in Norway that they wanted to ensure the war ended diplomatically with a lasting and just peace.
The Ukrainian leader said earlier he had had a "constructive discussion" with Rubio about the need for US early warnings, missile interceptors and SpaceX's Starlink internet network. Last week, a bipartisan group of US senators called for an urgent investigation into disruptions to the Starlink network in Ukraine. Unconfirmed reports on Tuesday said the transfer of more Patriot interceptors had not yet been approved.
Rubio, who is currently on a visit to India, admitted to reporters that it may be true that Patriot interceptor missiles had not yet arrived in Ukraine, although nothing had been denied to Kyiv intentionally. The US has provided Ukraine with billions of dollars in military aid, including Patriot systems, which are crucial for defending against Russian missile attacks.
The Oslo meeting is seen as an attempt to mend fences and find a diplomatic way forward. However, the public exchange of accusations and denials underscores the challenges facing the relationship. Both sides have expressed a desire for a peaceful resolution, but the path remains uncertain. European allies are likely to play a key role in bridging the gap.
Zelensky has consistently called for more air defence systems and intelligence sharing to protect Ukrainian cities and troops. The US has said it is committed to supporting Ukraine, but the recent tensions have complicated the partnership. The outcome of the Oslo talks will be closely watched for signs of a reset in relations.
