Witkoff to visit Russia tomorrow to discuss Oslo talks

US special envoy Steve Witkoff has arrived in Norway ahead of talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as tensions between the two nations have escalated. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre stated that Zelensky had requested Oslo and Finland to host the meeting with US and European allies at a crucial moment for Ukraine.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied allegations that the US was withholding intelligence from Kyiv, calling such accusations "scandalous" and "outrageous." Serhii Flash Beskrestnov, Zelensky's military technical adviser, told the BBC that the absence of reliable US warnings could lead to the loss of lives. Relations between Ukraine and the US have deteriorated recently, with Trump suggesting Ukraine should have a new president and focus on finding another negotiator.

Zelensky and Rubio discussed the need for US early warnings, missile interceptors, and SpaceX's Starlink internet network during their meeting. US senators recently called for an investigation into Starlink disruptions in Ukraine, and reports suggested that the transfer of Patriot interceptors had not been approved. Witkoff is expected to join the meeting via video link with Jared Kushner, as well as representatives from Finland, the UK, Poland, France, Germany, the EU, and NATO.

It remains unclear if Witkoff will travel to Russia after his Oslo visit, though the Kremlin spokesman expressed hope for future mediation efforts. Meanwhile, Russia's Vladimir Putin discussed the war with Trump, who subsequently announced the supply of over 300,000 tons of diesel to Russia, ending US sanctions on Russian diesel exports.