Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says US intelligence sharing with Kyiv is now working, as American special envoy Steve Witkoff travels to Russia for talks with President Vladimir Putin on ending the war.
Zelensky made the remarks after meeting Witkoff in Oslo, Norway, on Tuesday. The discussions involved proposals aimed at ending the conflict, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Witkoff arrived in St Petersburg on Wednesday morning, where Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev received him. His meeting with Putin is expected to focus on possible steps towards peace.
Ukraine and its European allies say Moscow must now respond to the proposals discussed in Oslo.
Zelensky Welcomes Resumption of US Intelligence Sharing
Speaking after the Oslo meeting, Zelensky expressed appreciation for the current state of US intelligence sharing, describing it as important for protecting Ukrainian civilians.
He said early warnings about incoming ballistic missiles help people, including children, seek safety before attacks strike.
“We are thankful to the American side, now it works, it’s great,” Zelensky said.
Kyiv had previously accused Washington of withholding intelligence about Russian attacks, claiming the alleged disruption put Ukrainian lives at risk. The US rejected the accusation as scandalous.
Zelensky’s latest remarks suggest that intelligence cooperation is currently functioning, although the statement does not explain whether all previous disagreements have been resolved.
The Ukrainian leader also said the talks covered security guarantees for his country and proposals for a ceasefire involving energy infrastructure.
He reiterated that Kyiv remained ready to negotiate an end to the war.
Witkoff Heads for Putin Meeting After Oslo Talks
The meeting between Zelensky and Witkoff was later described by a US official as “very productive and constructive”.
The official also reported strong alignment among American, Ukrainian and European representatives on the next steps.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who participated alongside Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, said there had been genuine progress on peace proposals. However, he offered no details of the discussions and warned that patience would be necessary.
Støre stressed that Europe must have a place in any negotiations over the future of the conflict.
Witkoff’s visit to Russia is expected to give the Kremlin an opportunity to respond to the proposals discussed in Norway.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has indicated that Moscow would listen to the American envoy’s proposals. However, he ruled out what he described as political concessions.
Putin had not publicly commented on the latest diplomatic developments at the time of the report.
Trump Presses Ukraine to Reach a Deal
The diplomatic discussions come amid strained relations between Washington and Kyiv.
US President Donald Trump has recently questioned Zelensky’s leadership and called for someone else to negotiate on Ukraine’s behalf.
Following the Oslo talks, Trump again urged Kyiv to reach an agreement, saying Russia wanted the conflict resolved.
Trump has also blamed Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries for contributing to rising fuel prices in the United States. His comments come ahead of next month’s US midterm elections.
Meanwhile, European leaders have expressed concern about mixed messages from Washington regarding the war.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he was working to persuade the US administration that the conflict required a joint approach.
US Vice-President JD Vance has also described Ukraine as a partner while acknowledging differences between Washington and Kyiv, particularly over Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure.
Russian Attacks Continue as Peace Efforts Intensify
Despite the diplomatic activity, Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities have continued.
Ukrainian officials reported that at least 10 people were killed in strikes on Tuesday. The reported deaths included four people in Kyiv and the surrounding region, four in Donetsk region and two in Dnipro.
Another overnight attack on Wednesday killed two people near Kharkiv, according to the report.
Zelensky said Ukraine was losing people because of continued Russian attacks, while maintaining that his country was not losing the war.
The discussions have also raised questions about military support for Kyiv. Reports that additional US-made Patriot interceptor missiles had not yet been approved remained unconfirmed.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that the missiles might not yet have arrived but said Washington had not deliberately withheld support from Ukraine.
Zelensky also expressed hope for progress on Starlink-related restrictions after Ukraine’s military reported speed limits affecting drones that use the satellite internet network.
As Witkoff meets Putin, Ukraine and its European partners will be watching for signs that the latest diplomatic effort can produce concrete steps towards ending the war.