Zelensky says US intelligence sharing “works now” after Oslo talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that US intelligence sharing on Russian missile attacks “works now” following talks with US special envoy Steve Witkoff in Oslo on Tuesday. Norway stated that the discussions aimed to put strained relations with Washington “on a more constructive path.”Zelensky’s statement marks a shift after he previously accused the United States of deliberately withholding vital intelligence and delaying military aid. He posted on social media upon his arrival in the Norwegian capital, “Ukraine is working for peace. I thank our partners for their support!” Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and diplomatic advisor, also participated in the negotiations virtually due to illness.Zelensky said he held “substantive” and “constructive” talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday, after Rubio clarified that Washington was not intentionally withholding supplies. “There’s nothing being deliberately denied to Ukraine,” Rubio said during a trip to India, adding that it was a “balance between our obligations to other partners and frankly our own… requirements for our own facilities as well.”The Ukrainian President emphasized that the US military satellite system Starshield, used by Ukraine, “needs to be restored” and that ballistic missile interceptors “are needed to protect lives.” Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who also attended the talks, noted “genuine progress” on peace proposals but did not provide details.On Monday, Zelensky told US senators that “the Pentagon is delaying the delivery of missiles” already paid for by European countries, and that the shipment was awaiting the signature of US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. He added that several European countries were ready to transfer Patriot interceptor missiles from their own stockpiles but were still awaiting US approval. The United States has denied making any changes to intelligence sharing with Ukraine.Following the Oslo talks, Zelensky and his European allies stated that it is now up to Russia to respond to the agreed proposals. US special envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg on Friday. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the Kremlin would listen to Witkoff’s proposals but ruled out “any political concessions.”President Trump has criticized Zelensky as a warmonger for Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries and has previously suggested it was “time for somebody else to negotiate on behalf of Ukraine.” Trump suggests replacing Zelensky for Russia-Ukraine peace talks. Trump also stated he is ready to meet Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in China next month to discuss denuclearization, potentially including the Ukraine war, fueling fears in Kyiv of being sidelined.Nepal condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, demanding Russia’s immediate, complete, and unconditional withdrawal of all military forces from Ukrainian territory. Nepal has consistently emphasized that all member states must fully respect the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity enshrined in the United Nations Charter.On February 25, 2025, Nepal voted in favor of a United Nations General Assembly resolution titled “Advancing Comprehensive, Just and Lasting Peace in Ukraine.” Nepal’s foreign policy has taken a “negative” stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, supporting international efforts for a peaceful resolution.US special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to brief President Putin on his contacts with both the Ukrainians and the Europeans during their meeting in St. Petersburg on Friday. Jared Kushner will also participate virtually in the meeting with Putin.