Kyiv — The United States has resumed intelligence sharing with Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Tuesday following a meeting in Oslo with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. The restoration of intelligence cooperation was described by Zelensky as critical for early warning systems against incoming ballistic threats, helping to protect civilians amid ongoing Russian attacks.
The Oslo gathering, hosted by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, included Finnish President Alexander Stubb, representatives from Britain, the European Union, and NATO. The meeting came after a period of strained relations between Kyiv and Washington, exacerbated earlier this month when former President Donald Trump lifted certain sanctions on Russia, finalized a diesel supply deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and pursued a more conciliatory approach toward Moscow. Zelensky had criticized the fuel agreement as a weak response reflecting broader U.S. policy failures.
In the aftermath, Ukrainian officials reported delays and limitations in U.S. support, including disruptions to Ukraine’s Starlink communications and withheld interceptor missile deliveries. The U.S. government denied imposing such restrictions. Nonetheless, Ukrainian cities have faced intensified missile and drone attacks by Russia, which seeks to make urban centers uninhabitable ahead of winter.
Despite the tense backdrop, Zelensky appeared optimistic during the Oslo event, formally acknowledging Witkoff with an award and engaging in cordial exchanges. Jared Kushner, Trump’s former envoy and son-in-law, participated remotely. A U.S. official who spoke anonymously characterized the talks as “very productive,” highlighting new Ukrainian proposals and an emerging consensus on diplomatic next steps. The official confirmed strong alignment among the U.S., Ukraine, and European partners on efforts to pressure Russia into negotiations.
One key initiative involves pushing for a trilateral summit involving Putin, Zelensky, and Trump, a Ukrainian proposition that U.S. envoys aim to promote. Witkoff plans to travel to St. Petersburg on Wednesday to present this proposal directly to Putin and seek progress on the release of Stephen Hubbard, a U.S. teacher detained in Russia since 2022.
While Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s readiness to negotiate, Trump, speaking in Washington, shifted blame for stalled peace efforts onto Ukraine. He suggested that Russia’s military gains and sustained advance signaled Moscow’s desire to conclude the conflict, portraying Ukraine as the obstacle. Observers note, however, that the front line remains relatively stable, with incremental territorial shifts insufficient for Russia to fully control eastern Donbas.
Finnish President Stubb described Tuesday’s discussions as “a good day for peace,” citing behind-the-scenes progress on substantive issues despite ongoing public tensions among the involved parties. Norwegian Prime Minister Store reflected on the talks as a step toward resolving misunderstandings without dwelling on past grievances.