US envoy meets Putin as Zelenskyy welcomes restored intelligence sharing

US envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Saint Petersburg to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin following talks in Oslo where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Washington for resuming intelligence sharing on Russian strikes.

In Oslo, Zelenskyy described the early warnings as very important for civilians when ballistic missiles were about to strike and expressed gratitude that intelligence cooperation had resumed.

The visit occurred amid efforts to ease tensions between US President Donald Trump and Zelenskyy over Russia’s war on Ukraine, after a period of strained relations that intensified following a diesel deal between Trump and Putin and public criticisms by Trump about the impact of Ukrainian strikes on Russia’s energy sector on global fuel prices.

Following the Oslo talks, Trump renewed calls at the White House for Zelenskyy to make a deal with Russia as Moscow intensified strikes on Ukraine ahead of winter.

Zelenskyy also accused Washington of delaying deliveries of interceptor missiles already paid for by European countries, saying some shipments were reportedly awaiting US approval, and he insisted that Kyiv must be involved in any negotiations concerning its future.

The leaders were pictured in Oslo on 20 October 2026 where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hugged US envoy Steve Witkoff as Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Finnish President Alexander Stubb looked on.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The arrival of Steve Witkoff in Saint Petersburg and the resumed intelligence sharing underscore a temporary thaw in cooperation on specific security needs despite broader diplomatic tensions between Washington and Kyiv. Public appeals by both Trump and Zelenskyy highlight competing pressures to secure concessions while maintaining Ukraine’s role in any negotiations about its future. Reports of delayed missile shipments point to procedural or political hurdles in delivering military support even as early warning intelligence is restored.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Steve Witkoff met Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg following talks in Oslo.
• Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Washington for resumed intelligence sharing on Russian strikes.
• President Donald Trump urged Zelenskyy to make a deal with Russia amid intensified strikes ahead of winter.
• Zelenskyy said some interceptor missile deliveries paid for by European countries were reportedly awaiting US approval.
• Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine must be at the table for any negotiations about its future.