Steve Witkoff to Meet Putin After Ukraine Peace Talks in Norway

Steve Witkoff Putin Meeting Follows : US ambassador Steve Witkoff is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday as part of Washington’s efforts to settle the Ukraine conflict. The proposed meeting comes after US and Ukrainian officials met in Norway to discuss security guarantees, economic recovery, and a possible road to talks.

The diplomatic attempts come as Russian attacks continue in Ukraine, including strikes on electricity infrastructure and energy installations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for direct discussions between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States to address important issues about resolving the conflict.

A US official hailed recent conversations in Oslo as encouraging. Ukraine also made new recommendations, and participants reported progress toward a unified approach to discussions with Moscow.

Steve Witkoff Putin Meeting Follows Ukraine Security Talks

The Oslo discussions brought together European and NATO representatives, as well as Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. The talks covered security guarantees for Ukraine, plans for post-war economic recovery and a wider European security framework.

Store hailed the discussion as positive and productive, while Stubb stated that the peace process was back on track.

Zelenskyy also updated on meetings with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He stated that Ukraine was once again receiving prior warnings of probable Russian missile attacks, and that the system was functioning well.

The Ukrainian president stated that the discussions also included Patriot missile interceptor supply and the usage of Starlink satellite communications. Kyiv had previously expressed concerns about Starlink connections failing when mounted on fast-moving items, such as drones.

Another critical issue was the potential of security assurances under Article 5 of the NATO treaty, which considers an assault on one member to be an attack on all. According to Zelenskyy, the US side confirmed that such guarantees would be substantial.

He has continued to push for a trilateral meeting involving the leaders of Ukraine, Russia and the United States. Witkoff’s planned talks with Putin are intended to help establish a path towards those negotiations and broader diplomatic discussions.

Steve Witkoff Putin Talks Take Place as Russian Strikes Continue

He also claimed that Russia has an advantage due to its ability to sustain its military assault.

Washington’s approach to Moscow has alarmed European governments and sparked criticism from members of both parties in the United States Congress. Trump’s recent decisions include a deal to buy Russian diesel and a reprieve of stronger sanctions.

Meanwhile, Russian attacks on Ukraine have continued, with energy facilities being targeted. Overnight strikes struck electricity plants in numerous districts, while attacks in western Ukraine caused widespread power outages.

According to Russia’s Defence Ministry, its forces hit three cargo ships in the Ukrainian port of Reni, as well as two others heading for Odesa. It also reported strikes on two logistical centers.

According to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, drones targeted an energy complex. The authorities reported power outages in four districts of the capital. The western region of Lviv was also attacked during the day.

Ukraine had suspended attacks on Russian oil refineries for several days the previous week in response to Trump’s appeal that both sides refrain from attacking energy systems. Kyiv resumed the attacks after Russia showed no evidence of complying with the request.

Witkoff’s meeting with Putin is likely to be a key part of Washington’s efforts to advance negotiations. However, ongoing attacks and unresolved security issues remain major difficulties as diplomatic attempts continue.