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Diplomatic Engagement in Norway and Intelligence Resumption
The United States has resumed sharing intelligence with Kyiv about Russian missile strikes, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Tuesday after a meeting with the US envoy Steve Witkoff in Norway. The report detailing these developments was published on 20 Oct 2026 20.32 BST and last modified on Wed 21 Oct 2026 00.38 BST. Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine was once again receiving advance warnings of ballistic missile attacks following a suspension by the White House the previous week.
“Now it works. It’s great,” Zelenskyy stated, emphasizing that the reinstated information flow would save lives. He stressed the importance of these advance warnings for civilians, children, and adults who need to hear when ballistic missiles are incoming. Alongside the discussions between Zelenskyy and Witkoff, the president’s son-in-law Jared Kushner participated via video, alongside Norway’s prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Finnish president Alexander Stubb, and other European and British security officials.
Upcoming Diplomatic Talks and Wider Geopolitical Strains
Following the meetings in Norway, US envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin to establish a pathway toward direct trilateral and broader multilateral negotiations. These diplomatic maneuvers occur against the backdrop of significant friction in US-Ukraine relations. The current crisis began 10 days prior when the US announced it was lifting sanctions on Russian diesel to lower fuel prices before midterm elections, followed by an energy ceasefire that Russia ultimately ignored.
During discussions, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas questioned whether American negotiators had acted as honest brokers, noting that European backing has kept Ukraine firm against surrender terms. Meanwhile, Donald Trump reiterated his stance that Zelenskyy remains an obstacle to a deal, pointing to past discussions and highlighting his request for Putin to release an American prisoner, Stephen Hubbard.
Military Hurdles: Starshield, Interceptors, and Ground Realities
Zelenskyy also addressed ongoing military constraints during his outreach, including a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He raised concerns over restrictions placed on Starshield—the military-grade version of Elon Musk’s satellite internet service—which has limited Ukraine’s mid-range drone strike capabilities. Additionally, Kyiv offered to halt long-range attacks on Russian oil refineries in exchange for Patriot missile interceptors, though the Pentagon has blocked deliveries funded by international partners due to global supply limitations.
The human toll of the conflict remains severe. At least nine people were killed in Ukraine on Tuesday, including passengers traveling on the Kyiv to Odesa highway where a Russian drone strike hit two vehicles, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries.