Zelensky says Russia agreed to new US-Ukraine-Russia talks after Oslo meeting
In short
Ukrainian President Zelensky said US envoy Witkoff and European partners met Ukraine in Oslo on 20 October and discussed a possible US-Russia-Ukraine leaders' meeting. On 21 October he said Russia had agreed to a new round of three-way talks, which the parties hope to hold in early November or sooner.
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Ukrainian President Zelensky said on social media that on 20 October he held talks in the Norwegian capital Oslo with Witkoff, US President Trump's special envoy, and European partners. According to China News Service, they discussed the possibility of a leaders' meeting between the US, Russia and Ukraine. Trump's son-in-law Kushner joined the talks by video link. [ 1 ]
At a press conference after the Oslo talks, Zelensky said: "We are ready for negotiations, any signal of de-escalation is very important." China News Service reported that he also said he was willing to hold a three-way meeting with Trump and Russian President Putin. [ 2 ]
Zelensky said Ukraine supports a US proposal for an "energy ceasefire" with Russia. Under it, if Russia stops attacking Ukraine's energy facilities, Ukraine will stop attacking Russia's "sensitive" energy facilities. He also said security guarantees were discussed, that the US side stressed again that they must be strong, and that a document lists different forms of arrangements. Witkoff was to present the document to Russia, and Ukraine would then hear the feedback he brings back. [ 1 ]
Zelensky said he expected Witkoff, on a visit to Russia on 21 October, to pass on Ukrainian and European ideas for peace. He said one important idea was a possible leaders' meeting to resolve issues that only leaders can handle. [ 1 ]
On 21 October Zelensky said Russia had agreed to a new round of US-Ukraine-Russia talks, according to CLS and China News Service. The US proposed starting the talks soon, Ukraine supports this, and the parties aim to meet in early November or earlier. CLS added that Zelensky said Ukraine backs several peace initiatives, including a full ceasefire, a halt to attacks on energy infrastructure, humanitarian operations and the return of prisoners of war, and prefers diplomacy. He also said he is cautious about the prospects of the talks. [ 3 , 5 ]
Why it matters
The outlets report a possible step toward direct three-way negotiations and a proposed energy ceasefire. Zelensky himself said he is cautious about the prospects of the talks.
Key facts
- Zelensky said he held talks in Oslo on 20 October with Trump's envoy Witkoff and European partners, and that Trump's son-in-law Kushner joined by video link. [ 1 ]
- The talks covered the possibility of a leaders' meeting between the US, Russia and Ukraine. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Zelensky said Ukraine supports a US proposal for an "energy ceasefire": Ukraine would stop attacking Russia's "sensitive" energy facilities if Russia stops attacking Ukraine's energy facilities. [ 1 ]
- Zelensky said on 21 October that Russia had agreed to a new round of US-Ukraine-Russia talks. [ 3 , 5 ]
- The US proposed starting the talks soon, Ukraine supports this, and the parties aim to meet in early November or earlier. [ 3 , 5 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- Whether a leaders' meeting between Trump, Putin and Zelensky will take place. Zelensky described it as a possible idea to be passed to Russia by Witkoff; the documents give no Russian response on it.
- Russia's response to the energy ceasefire and security guarantee proposals. Zelensky said Witkoff would take the documents to Russia on 21 October and bring back feedback; no feedback is reported.
- Prospects of the new talks. Per CLS, Zelensky said he remains cautious about the prospects.
- Russia's own confirmation of agreeing to the talks. The documents report the agreement only through Zelensky's statement.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- China News Service published Zelensky's account of the 20 October Oslo talks with Witkoff and European partners. [ 1 ]
- China News Service published a roundup on the Oslo talks and Zelensky's press conference remarks. [ 2 ]
- On 22 October CLS reported Zelensky's statement that Russia agreed to a new round of three-way talks. [ 3 ]
- On 22 October China News Service reported the same statement. [ 5 ]