Zelensky Meets King Haakon, Then Witkoff in Oslo Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met Norway's King Haakon VIII at the Royal Palace in Oslo on Tuesday, 20 October, and later began talks with US special envoy Steve Witkoff, according to Norwegian media cited by Ukrainian outlets.

Zelensky was received at the palace by the head of the royal court, Olav Hean-Engdal, NRK reported. It is the first meeting between the Ukrainian president and Haakon since the king ascended the throne. Afterwards Zelensky headed to what was described as extremely important talks with Witkoff, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store and Finnish President Alexander Stubb.

Talks on ending the war

Norwegian outlet VG published a photo in which Zelensky and Witkoff embrace, with Store and Stubb standing next to them. Zelensky arrived in Oslo on Tuesday for talks with Norwegian officials and for negotiations with US special envoys and Europeans aimed at ending the war, as we reported when Witkoff landed in Norway.

Witkoff's colleague Jared Kushner is taking part remotely because he has the flu. Representatives of Britain, France, Germany and Poland are also due at the table, along with EU and NATO officials. The EU is represented by the chief of staff of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO by the deputy chief of staff of Secretary General Mark Rutte.

Earlier in the week, Kushner and Witkoff were announced as heading to Norway for the talks. More in our politics section.