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U.S. envoys to join Zelenskyy’s Oslo talks
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Negotiator-level talks proposed for November; dates unsettled
Ukraine supports a U.S. proposal for talks with Russia and the United States at negotiator level, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on October 21. He favoured meeting by early November. The Kremlin also said Vladimir Putin had agreed to resume U.S.-mediated negotiations after meeting envoy Steve Witkoff in St Petersburg. Zelenskyy said final dates remained unknown. The proposal concerns negotiating teams; the reports establish no scheduled leaders’ summit, ceasefire or peace agreement.
Reuters: Ukraine’s Zelenskiy hopes for new talks with Russia, US by early November · Zelensky supports resuming trilateral peace talks with US, Russia after Putin claims Kremlin readiness
St Petersburg arrival follows completed Oslo meeting
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in St Petersburg on October 21 for planned talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Reuters reported, citing two sources familiar with the visit. His arrival follows an October 20 meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Oslo. The Kyiv Independent also reported the arrival and cited Putin adviser Yuri Ushakov confirming the planned meeting. The development advances the earlier announcement of scheduled Oslo participation to completed consultations and onward travel. Neither report announces a negotiated agreement.
US envoy Steve Witkoff lands in St. Petersburg for Russia peace talks · US envoy Witkoff arrives in St Petersburg for talks with Putin
Witkoff expected in Oslo; Kushner to participate remotely
U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will join planned October 20 meetings involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Finland’s presidency announced. Witkoff is expected in Oslo, while Kushner will participate remotely, AP reported, citing Norway’s government. Finland says the discussions will cover the war in Ukraine and Europe’s security situation. The announcements confirm planned participation and the agenda; they establish no completed negotiation or agreement.
A Russian missile and drone blitz kills 7 in Ukraine as Zelenskyy seeks help in Norway · President Stubb to pay working visit to Oslo