Ukraine peace talks in Oslo brought together Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Finnish President Alexander Stubb on Tuesday, 20 October. The meeting, organised by the two Nordic countries at Kyiv’s request, also involved representatives of President Donald Trump in an effort to revive diplomatic negotiations to end Russia’s war.
Following the talks, Støre announced that American special envoy Steve Witkoff would travel to St Petersburg on Wednesday, 21 October, to present proposals discussed with Ukraine and its European partners to Russian officials. The three leaders described the meeting as constructive, although no ceasefire or peace agreement was announced.
Norway and Finland bring Ukraine and the USA to the table
The meeting was arranged at Zelenskyy’s request, with Norway and Finland acting as hosts for renewed diplomatic contacts at a particularly difficult moment in relations between Kyiv and Washington.
At Ukraine’s request, American special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner also joined the discussions. Witkoff attended in person, while Kushner participated remotely, according to the Norwegian government.
At the subsequent press conference, Støre reaffirmed Norway’s support for Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s invasion and insisted that Kyiv must remain directly involved in any negotiations concerning its future.
“We have always made it clear; there will be nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.”
The Norwegian prime minister also emphasised the close cooperation between Norway and Finland, both neighbours of Russia, and the importance of achieving lasting stability in Europe.
Stubb expressed optimism about the outcome, saying that progress had been made in recent days and that the diplomatic process appeared to be back on track.
Ukraine peace talks focus on security guarantees and European stability
The discussions covered several of the most difficult questions surrounding a possible settlement, including security guarantees for Ukraine, territorial issues, sanctions against Russia and post-war reconstruction.
In his official statement following the meeting, Støre confirmed that the participants had also discussed the future European security order.
According to the Ukrainian presidency, the talks addressed air defence, energy security and possible partial ceasefires, including measures intended to protect energy and food supplies.
Zelenskyy also raised the possibility of a trilateral meeting involving himself, Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, arguing that some outstanding questions could only be resolved by the three leaders.
The Ukrainian president reiterated that any negotiations affecting Ukraine’s future must include Ukraine itself. He also said that American intelligence-sharing on Russian ballistic missile launches was functioning again, following recent difficulties with early-warning information.
Witkoff’s visit to Russia will be the next diplomatic test
The immediate outcome of the Oslo meeting will depend partly on the discussions scheduled for Wednesday in St Petersburg.
Støre said Witkoff would present ideas developed by Ukrainian, European and American representatives to the Russian side, potentially preparing the ground for further negotiations at the highest political level.
The Ukrainian presidency confirmed that the American envoy was expected to report back to Kyiv after his contacts with Russian officials.
The diplomatic effort also extended beyond the three leaders. European representatives and national security advisers from the European Union, NATO, the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy participated in further discussions in Oslo.
For Norway and Finland, the meeting represented an opportunity to help coordinate the positions of Ukraine, its European partners and the USA at a sensitive stage of the war.
But the positive assessments from Oslo do not yet amount to a negotiating breakthrough. Whether the proposals discussed in Norway can lead to concrete progress will depend on Russia’s response and the willingness of all parties to continue talks with Ukraine directly involved.
