Zelensky and Witkoff Set for Oslo Talks on Ukraine War

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was due to meet U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and European leaders in Oslo on Tuesday, October 20, as diplomatic efforts sought to shape proposals for ending Russia’s war against Ukraine. Witkoff was expected to brief Russian President Vladimir Putin on the discussions during a possible later visit to Russia, but neither that trip nor a meeting with Putin was confirmed as arranged. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said Zelensky had asked Norway and Finland to organize the meeting as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts. Finnish President Alexander Stubb and representatives from Britain, France, Germany and Poland were expected to participate, along with officials from the European Union and NATO. Jared Kushner, who was expected to join remotely because of illness, was also named as a participant. The talks were expected to address Russia’s war and European security, and to give Ukraine and its European partners an opportunity to discuss proposals with Witkoff before any potential presentation to Moscow. A U.S. official said Witkoff planned to travel to Russia afterward and hoped to present ideas developed with Ukraine and European...