U.S. Special Envoy Meets Putin Amid Zelenskyy's Call for Inclusive Ukraine Negotiations
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday to discuss a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, following constructive talks between U.S. officials and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During an event in Oslo alongside leaders of Finland and Norway, Zelenskyy emphasized that any agreement involving Ukraine must include Kyiv at the negotiating table, reiterating his stance with the phrase 'nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.' Zelenskyy also highlighted discussions on NATO's Article 5 security guarantees during the meeting. The talks come amid heightened tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Zelenskyy over public criticisms and concerns regarding sanctions relief for Russia, which Kyiv claims could prolong the war. Recent developments include Russian strikes targeting energy infrastructure in Ukraine, contradicting an earlier 'energy ceasefire' reportedly brokered by Trump.