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US hails Zelensky talks, Trump envoy to meet Putin
AFP, Washington
Published: 21 Oct 2026, 10:18 AM
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store deliver a joint press conference after a meeting on the situation in Ukraine on 20 October 2026 in Oslo. Photo: AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held "very productive and constructive discussions" with US President Donald Trump's envoys in Oslo on Tuesday, a US official told AFP.
Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff will now meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, with Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner participating virtually, the official said.
The talks came as Washington and Kyiv sought to heal a rift following Trump's announcement of a diesel deal with Russia and pressure on Zelensky to end the war.
"Ukraine brought forward new ideas and proposals, which were discussed in detail," the official said on condition of anonymity after the Oslo talks.
"The parties made meaningful progress in aligning on a coordinated approach to engaging Russia and advancing the diplomatic process."
Witkoff's meeting with Putin aims to "build on the progress" of the Oslo talks and create a pathway to direct three-way talks involving Kyiv, Moscow and Washington, the official said.
"While important work remains, today's discussions reflected a very positive and constructive spirit, strong cooperation among the parties, and a shared determination to achieve a comprehensive and durable peace," the official added.