Zelensky meets Witkoff and Nordic leaders in Oslo on peace framework

President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Norway on Tuesday, 20 October, for talks centred on peace efforts, air defences and joint production, meeting US envoy Steve Witkoff alongside Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Finnish President Alexander Stubb.

Zelensky announced on Telegram that he would hold a trilateral meeting with Støre and Stubb, separate talks with Witkoff, and a four-way session combining all participants. Trump's son-in-law and envoy Jared Kushner participated remotely; Witkoff attended in person. Støre said Ukraine had requested the involvement of both US representatives.

"We are not cutting off any contacts that could help peace," Zelensky wrote. "We will also discuss strengthening our air defenses and joint production."

Norway and Finland organised the gathering at Zelensky's request, Støre said, describing it as part of ongoing diplomacy at a critical time. "The aim is to put diplomatic efforts on a more constructive path," he said.

The Oslo meeting precedes a possible visit by Witkoff to Russia; a US official told Axios the envoy hoped to meet President Vladimir Putin after the Norway consultations.

Proposals being prepared cover two parallel tracks: Ukraine's future security and recovery — including sovereignty, security guarantees, European integration and a postwar economic framework — and a possible framework for ending the war, including future security arrangements between Russia and Europe and potential postwar economic cooperation. A US official said substantial work remained before any proposal would be ready.

The announced programme also includes an audience for Zelensky with Norway's King Haakon and meetings with the speaker and party leaders of the Storting. A joint press conference by Zelensky, Stubb and Støre was scheduled after their session.