Zelensky wants seat at possible summit talks
In Oslo, Ukraine again sought to retain influence over discussions between the United States, Russia and Europe.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky demanded on Tuesday that Ukraine be involved in possible talks between Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping. He made the appeal during discussions in Oslo with European leaders and US envoy Steve Witkoff.
According to German broadcaster Tagesschau, Zelensky said that discussions about Ukraine’s future would be acceptable only if Kyiv had a seat at the table. He was responding to reports of possible talks between the American, Russian and Chinese presidents on the sidelines of an upcoming APEC summit.
Norway organised the discussions in Oslo together with Finland. Besides Zelensky, Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Finnish President Alexander Stubb took part. Witkoff was physically present; Trump’s other special envoy Jared Kushner participated remotely, the Norwegian government reported.
According to Støre, the meeting was intended to restart diplomatic contacts over the war in Ukraine. Støre said the discussions were meant to put the diplomatic process on a more constructive track. A summit between Trump, Putin and Xi remains a possibility for now.
Afterwards, Zelensky also said that the United States had resumed sharing early warnings with Ukraine about possible Russian attacks. According to the Associated Press, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said at the same time that the Trump administration had not announced any change in its policy on intelligence or arms deliveries.
The issue matters because Ukraine fears that major powers may discuss its future without Ukrainian representation. Kyiv wants to retain influence over issues such as security guarantees, territory, sanctions and the conditions for a possible end to the war.
The discussions in Oslo were therefore primarily an attempt to keep channels of communication open. Whether the American rapprochement with Russia will lead to broader talks in which Ukraine actually takes part remains uncertain. Witkoff was expected to travel to Russia after Oslo to discuss the ideas from the talks with Russian leaders.
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One story, several perspectives
What is established
- On 20 October, talks took place in Oslo between Zelensky, the leaders of Norway and Finland, and US envoys.
- Zelensky said that Ukraine must take part in discussions about its future.
- A possible summit between Trump, Putin and Xi has not been formally established.
- According to Zelensky, early US warnings about Russian attacks have resumed; Rubio did not confirm any general policy change.
Left
Arguments Ukraine must have a seat at the table itself and must not be reduced to the subject of negotiations between great powers. European countries should actively support Kyiv and limit American pressure on Ukraine.
Values Self-determination, international law, protection of an attacked country and democratic legitimacy.
Consequences Excluding Ukraine could result in an agreement that cannot be implemented or causes conflict to resume later.
Centre
Arguments Diplomacy requires several channels at once: talks with Russia and the United States can be useful, but Ukraine and Europe must remain involved. The institutional route lies in guarantees, verifiable agreements and coordination with allies.
Values Stability, feasibility, allied cohesion and lasting peace.
Consequences A gradual process can limit the risks of escalation, but it may also proceed slowly and leave room for conflicting expectations.
Right
Arguments An agreement must primarily restore Europe’s security and the credibility of deterrence. Kyiv cannot be allowed to set unlimited conditions if direct negotiations between powerful states are needed to end the war.
Values National security, order, responsibility and effective power politics.
Consequences Rapid negotiations can save lives and resources, but concessions without firm guarantees could encourage future aggression.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The article’s main points are confirmed by the Norwegian government, Tagesschau and AP. Unconfirmed elements are presented as possibilities or attributed claims.
- confirmed Zelensky called for Ukrainian participation in possible talks between Trump, Putin and Xi. — Reported by Tagesschau based on Zelensky’s statements in Oslo. source
- confirmed Zelensky, Støre and Stubb held talks in Oslo on 20 October. — Confirmed by the Norwegian government. source
- confirmed Witkoff took part in person and Kushner remotely. — Confirmed in the Norwegian Cabinet’s report. source
- confirmed According to Zelensky, Ukraine again received early warnings of Russian attacks. — AP writes that Zelensky said this after talks in Oslo. source
- confirmed Rubio denied that the administration had changed its policy on intelligence and arms deliveries. — AP reports Rubio’s statement. source
- confirmed Witkoff was expected to travel to Russia after Oslo. — Mentioned by the Norwegian prime minister in his statement after the talks. source
Editor's note
It is certain that Zelensky, Støre, Stubb and US envoys held talks in Oslo on 20 October. Zelensky reported the resumption of early warnings; Rubio did not confirm any policy changes by the United States. A summit between Trump, Putin and Xi remains a possibility, not a scheduled meeting.Sources
- Selenskyj fordert Teilnahme an Putin-Xi-Trump-Treffen — Tagesschau
- Zelenskyy says early warning system for Russian missile attacks resumes following call with Rubio — Associated Press
- Witkoff and Kushner to take part in meetings in Oslo — Office of the Prime Minister of Norway
More on this in Dutch media
- de Volkskrant — „oekraïne zelensky”
- RTL Nieuws — „oekraïne zelensky”
- NOS — „oekraïne zelensky”