Witkoff said he believed there was “some degree of momentum” in the peace efforts, following a meeting in Oslo with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders. He thanked Putin for lifting Russia’s ban on diesel exports, which had angered U.S. lawmakers, adding that it would help reduce prices for U.S. farmers and truckers. The meeting in Oslo included Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, and Stubb said late Tuesday that the talks “made genuine progress.”

Putin expressed willingness to discuss the restoration of U.S.-Russian economic ties and the U.S.-led conflict with Iran. He also mentioned Russia’s readiness to use its relationship with Tehran to help bring peace. Witkoff said Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, would join the discussion via video link.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said in an interview with Fox News that he supports trilateral talks with Trump and Putin and hopes for a positive outcome from Witkoff’s meeting in Russia. He also praised Trump’s call for ceasefires and emphasized the importance of security guarantees. Zelenskyy said he had recently held a constructive call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and called for a trilateral meeting with Trump and Putin.

U.S. President Donald Trump has been pushing Zelenskyy to make a deal with Russia, arguing that the U.S. has received little in return for its support. Trump said Zelenskyy had the opportunity to make a deal two years ago and that American taxpayers were tired of the war’s costs. “We have given tremendous amounts to Ukraine; we’ve got nothing back,” he said.

Despite diplomatic efforts, Russia and Ukraine remain far apart in their terms for a settlement. Recent attacks, including Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil infrastructure and Russian strikes on Ukraine’s power grid, continue to escalate tensions.

Witkoff plans to return to Oslo for more consultations after his meeting with Putin. Zelenskyy is still in Oslo, meeting with lawmakers. However, with no significant progress made by the Trump administration since early 2025, an immediate breakthrough remains unlikely.