Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed a trilateral summit with Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, following talks held on Tuesday, October 20, in Oslo. The Ukrainian president met with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, in the presence of European leaders, as part of ongoing efforts to end the war. The discussions were described as constructive, with Witkoff expected to travel to Saint Petersburg on Wednesday to relay the outcomes and proposals to the Russian side. Topics on the table included air defense, protection of energy infrastructure, and possible partial ceasefires. Zelensky argued that certain critical decisions can only be made at the level of heads of state.
Zelensky’s proposal for a meeting with Trump and Putin
The Ukrainian president thanked Norway for hosting the talks and Finnish President Alexander Stubb for his participation in the diplomatic effort. He also referenced his recent phone call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, leaving open the possibility of another conversation within 48 hours. “Ukraine wants peace more than anyone. It was Russia that started this war, and the decision to continue the slaughter is Russia’s choice and Russia’s alone,” he stated. Zelensky noted that Kyiv has specific ideas for achieving peace and wants them conveyed to Moscow through the American side. In this context, he proposed a trilateral summit, asserting that certain issues require direct decisions from the leaders themselves.
Steve Witkoff heads to Saint Petersburg
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre described the talks as good and constructive, emphasizing his country’s continued support for Ukraine. “We have always made it clear that there can be no decision about Ukraine without Ukraine,” he said, thanking the American envoys for their participation. Støre confirmed that Witkoff will travel to Saint Petersburg on Wednesday to brief the Russian side on the proposals discussed. He expressed hope that the mission could help pave the way for a summit-level meeting between leaders.
Stubb: Progress on air defense and partial ceasefires
Finnish President Alexander Stubb said the talks showed progress on both immediate issues and the broader peace effort. Discussions focused on air defense, energy infrastructure, and potential partial ceasefires, with particular attention to energy security and food security. According to Stubb, the talks built on previous conversations held in Miami, with technical convergence reached on a number of issues. The Finnish president stressed that patience is required, as military operations continue and human casualties rise daily.
