Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is holding crucial discussions in Oslo with US special envoy Steve Witkoff as the relationship between Kyiv and Washington reaches its lowest point since Russia’s full-scale invasion began, according to the BBC.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre confirmed that Zelensky had requested Oslo and neighbouring Finland to organise the meeting with American and European allies during what he described as “a critical time for Ukraine”. The talks aim to guide relations towards “a more constructive path” and ensure the war ends diplomatically with lasting and just peace, Støre told reporters at the Norwegian parliament.
The meeting comes after allegations from Ukrainian military technical adviser Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov that inconsistent US intelligence warnings are costing Ukrainian lives. Speaking to the BBC, Beskrestnov said the situation appeared “very strange”, noting that sometimes Ukraine receives information before attacks, but at other times does not.
Rubio rejects intelligence withholding claims
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has rejected the accusations as “scandalous” and “outrageous”, according to the BBC. Currently visiting India, Rubio admitted to reporters that it may be true that Patriot interceptor missiles had not yet reached Ukraine, though he insisted nothing had been denied to Kyiv intentionally.
Last week a bipartisan group of US senators demanded an urgent investigation into disruptions to SpaceX’s Starlink internet network in Ukraine. Unconfirmed reports on Tuesday suggested that the transfer of additional Patriot interceptors had not yet received approval.
Zelensky said earlier he had held a “constructive discussion” with Rubio regarding the need for US early warnings, missile interceptors and Starlink connectivity.
European allies join talks
The Oslo meeting includes participation from Finnish President Alexander Stubb and officials from the United Kingdom, Poland, France and Germany, as well as representatives from the European Union and NATO. Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner is expected to join by video link.
It remains unclear whether Witkoff will travel to Russia following the Oslo talks, though Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed hope that a meeting with Trump’s special envoy could be arranged soon, saying Moscow “greatly appreciate[s] the mediation efforts of the American negotiators”.
The deterioration in US-Ukraine relations has been marked by Trump’s recent statements that it is time for Ukraine to have a new president and for “somebody else to negotiate on behalf of Ukraine”.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz spoke on Monday of “mixed pictures and messages” from the United States regarding the war. He noted that the US had stopped paying for Ukraine’s defence since the start of 2025, leaving Europe and other countries to shoulder the financial burden.
“It’s really a big effort for our budgets, it’s really a big thing for the European Union, but we are doing that and we are trying to keep on doing that until this terrible war ends,” Merz told Bloomberg TV.
US Vice-President JD Vance stated in a television interview that Ukraine is “certainly a partner in some ways” but not a formal ally. He said the US and Ukraine have “divergent interests from time to time”, citing Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure as an example.
What this means for Poles in the UK
The Oslo talks are significant for the Polish community in Britain, as Poland remains one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters and a key NATO ally on the eastern flank. British officials are attending the discussions alongside Polish representatives, reflecting the UK’s continued commitment to Ukraine’s defence. Any shift in US policy towards Ukraine or reduction in American military support would place greater pressure on European allies, including both Poland and Britain, to increase their financial and military contributions. Polish nationals in the UK should monitor developments closely, as changes in the transatlantic approach to the war could affect Britain’s defence spending priorities and potentially impact public services. The UK government has consistently backed Ukraine and called for European unity on the issue, a position shared by Warsaw.
