Zelensky Prepares for Oslo Talks With US Envoys as Rubio Denies Withholding Intelligence

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is preparing for crucial talks in Oslo with United States and European representatives as tensions between Kyiv and Washington deepen over military support, intelligence sharing and efforts to end Russia’s war against Ukraine.

The meeting in the Norwegian capital is expected to involve US special envoy Steve Witkoff, with President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner participating remotely. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Finnish President Alexander Stubb are also expected to take part, alongside other European representatives. The talks aim to put diplomatic efforts towards ending the war on a more constructive path.

The discussions come after Zelensky accused Washington of delaying the delivery of missile interceptors already purchased for Ukraine by its European partners. He has also raised concerns about restrictions affecting Starshield, a satellite communications system used by Ukrainian forces, and alleged interruptions to intelligence support that helps the country anticipate Russian missile attacks.

Zelensky said Ukraine had missed advance warnings of Russian attacks on several occasions during the previous week. He has argued that reliable intelligence and air-defence equipment are essential to protecting civilians and critical infrastructur.

However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has rejected claims that Washington deliberately withheld intelligence from Kyiv. Speaking during a visit to Uzbekistan, Rubio said there had been no pause in intelligence sharing and questioned Zelensky’s account. On October 20, Rubio also acknowledged that a shipment of missile interceptors might not have reached Ukraine, but insisted that any delay was not the result of a deliberate political decision to harm the country.

Zelensky said he had held a constructive conversation with Rubio about missile defence, early warnings of Russian attacks and satellite communications. It remains unclear whether the discussion will lead to concrete commitments on the outstanding issues.

The diplomatic strain comes as Trump has publicly criticised Zelensky and called for changes in who represents Ukraine in negotiations. Kyiv, meanwhile, continues to seek military support while pursuing a diplomatic settlement that would bring the war to an end.

The Oslo meeting could therefore be an important test of whether Ukraine and its Western partners can narrow their differences. However, with disagreements over military assistance and intelligence continuing, there is no guarantee that the talks will produce an immediate breakthrough.