Ukraine peace diplomacy gathers pace as Washington re-engages Kyiv and Moscow

Ukrainian and American officials reported progress after peace talks in Oslo, with US envoy Steve Witkoff travelling on to Moscow. Kyiv also said US missile early-warning cooperation had resumed.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and senior American officials described their latest discussions in Oslo as constructive, raising cautious hopes of movement in diplomatic efforts to end Russia's war against Ukraine. The talks brought together Zelenskyy, US special envoy Steve Witkoff and European representatives, with Norwegian and Finnish leaders participating.

Witkoff subsequently travelled to Russia for discussions with President Vladimir Putin, another stage in Washington's attempt to bring the parties closer to negotiations. Zelenskyy said Ukraine is once again receiving US intelligence warnings about incoming Russian ballistic missiles, restoring early-warning cooperation Kyiv considers essential for protecting civilians and infrastructure.

Despite the more positive language, deep disagreements persist over Ukrainian sovereignty, territorial control, security guarantees and the conditions under which hostilities could end. Speculation also continues over a possible three-way Trump-Putin-Xi summit next month, though its format and agenda are not established.