Steve Witkoff's discussions with Vladimir Putin come at a critical time as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy insists that Ukraine must be involved in any negotiations concerning its future.
Zelenskyy, speaking in Oslo, underscored that any agreement would only be valid if Ukraine is part of the talks, reinforcing the principle of 'nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.' This insistence follows a backdrop of heightened tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine, particularly with public criticisms exchanged between President Donald Trump and Zelenskyy.
Trump has accused Zelenskyy of not seeking peace, while Zelenskyy has raised concerns about the U.S. easing sanctions on Russia, which he believes could prolong the conflict. The situation is further complicated by recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy and civilian targets, which have resulted in casualties.
Amid these tensions, Zelenskyy confirmed that U.S. intelligence has resumed sharing early warnings of Russian attacks, and discussions are ongoing regarding military support, including SpaceX's Starlink connectivity and Patriot air defense systems. The outcome of Witkoff's talks could significantly influence the trajectory of the conflict and U.S.-Ukraine relations