Oslo, 21 October (H.S.): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed hope that he could hold further discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio within the next 48 hours, following talks with the United States and European allies in Oslo. The discussions focused on security guarantees, intelligence sharing and diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine would need robust security guarantees once the war comes to an end.

Addressing a press conference after the Oslo talks, Zelenskyy said his conversation with Rubio had provided an appropriate channel for discussing sensitive issues. He also said Ukraine was now receiving intelligence related to missile attacks, which was helping it respond to Russian strikes. His remarks came amid reported differences between Kyiv and Washington over an alleged reduction in US intelligence support.

## ‘Nothing About Ukraine Without Ukraine’

Zelenskyy made it clear that Ukrainian representatives must be involved in any agreement concerning the country’s future. “Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine,” he said.

Responding to reports of a possible trilateral meeting involving the United States, China and Russia, Zelenskyy said that if the discussions concerned Ukraine’s future, Kyiv must have a seat at the negotiating table.

Describing the Oslo discussions as constructive, he said Ukraine was now awaiting Russia’s response. The proposed talks between US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian representatives are being viewed as an important next step in the diplomatic process.

## Norway and Finland Stress Europe’s Role in Peace Efforts

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said the objective of the discussions was to steer dialogue among the parties concerned in a more constructive direction. He emphasised that achieving a lasting and just peace would require the involvement of Ukraine, Russia, Europe, the United States and other major countries.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb said Finland and Norway were working to help advance the negotiating process. Given their proximity to Russia, both countries understand the challenges facing regional security, he noted.

Stubb said considerable progress had been made behind the scenes over the past week and expressed hope that the peace process was getting back on track.

## Iran Also Discussed During the Meeting

The meeting also addressed US President Donald Trump’s remarks that putting excessive pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin could lead Moscow to assist Iran.

Zelenskyy said that, in his assessment, Russia had already been helping Iran. Stubb, meanwhile, said Ukraine had supported countries in the Gulf region by sharing its experience with them.

Stubb described the Oslo meeting as a positive day for peace efforts. However, he acknowledged that the course of the war remained unpredictable and emphasised that sustained dialogue would be essential to advancing diplomatic initiatives.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar