Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude for improved US intelligence sharing following talks in Oslo on Tuesday. He emphasised the importance of early warning systems that protect civilians from ballistic missile attacks, stating, “We can hear when ballistic[s] is coming… it’s great.”
Zelensky also touched on the need for clearer access to SpaceX’s Starlink satellite service, as Ukraine’s military recently reported speed restrictions affecting its drone operations against Russia. Prior to the Oslo talks, he discussed with Senator Marco Rubio the urgency for US early warning systems, missile interceptors, and Starlink access.
A bipartisan group of US senators had previously called for an investigation into these Starlink restrictions. Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s readiness for negotiations to end the war, highlighting the human cost of ongoing conflict, saying, “Of course, we are not losing this war, but we are losing people because Russia attacks.”
The discussions in Oslo included talks on “strong” security guarantees for Ukraine and proposals for a ceasefire concerning energy supplies. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre stressed the necessity of European involvement in negotiations to resolve the conflict.
On Tuesday, unverified reports suggested that further transfers of US-made Patriot missiles to Ukraine had not yet been approved. Rubio, currently visiting India, acknowledged this but clarified that no decisions had been intentionally withheld from Kyiv.
European leaders have expressed concerns over recent US statements regarding Russia. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the situation as presenting “mixed pictures and messages” and emphasised the need for a unified resolution.
Meanwhile, US Vice-President JD Vance, in an interview, noted complexities in US-Ukrainian relations. He acknowledged Ukraine as a partner but mentioned divergent interests, saying they do not have a formal alliance and questioning Ukraine’s potential NATO membership.
