Zelensky says US restores missile attack warnings after Oslo peace talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said the United States has resumed sharing critical intelligence about incoming Russian missile attacks, following high-level diplomatic discussions in Norway aimed at advancing efforts to end the war.

Speaking in Oslo on Tuesday, 20 October, Zelensky welcomed the restoration of advance warnings that help Ukrainian authorities and civilians prepare for Russian ballistic missile strikes.

The announcement followed talks with Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump's special envoy, alongside Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Finnish President Alexander Stubb.

Washington and Kyiv have recently been at odds over American military assistance and intelligence-sharing arrangements, with Ukrainian officials accusing the United States of withholding information needed to protect civilians.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio rejected the allegations, describing suggestions that Washington had deliberately restricted support as scandalous.

The apparent restoration of intelligence cooperation comes as American and European officials seek renewed diplomatic engagement with Russia over proposals to end the conflict.

Early warnings critical to Ukraine's civilian protection

Zelensky said American intelligence support had become operational again following discussions with US officials.

The Ukrainian leader explained that timely warnings of ballistic missile launches allow civilians to seek shelter and give emergency services an opportunity to prepare.

Such warnings are particularly important because ballistic missiles can reach their targets quickly, leaving residents with limited time to respond.

Ukraine had complained that some alerts concerning Russian missile attacks had either arrived late or were not provided in recent days.

Although Zelensky welcomed the latest development, the United States has disputed claims that it deliberately suspended intelligence sharing.

The Ukrainian president also raised concerns about shortages of American-made Patriot air defence interceptors, which are used to protect cities and infrastructure against ballistic missiles.

According to the Associated Press, Zelensky said the Pentagon had delayed deliveries of interceptors purchased for Ukraine by other countries.

He additionally expressed concern about restrictions affecting the military-grade Starshield satellite communications service, which Ukraine uses for battlefield operations.

These unresolved issues illustrate the broader difficulties in the US-Ukraine security relationship despite the reported restoration of missile warnings.

Oslo talks produce cautious diplomatic optimism

The Oslo discussions brought together Zelensky, Witkoff, Støre and Stubb, while Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner joined remotely.

Representatives from Britain, the European Union and NATO were also involved in the diplomatic consultations, according to international reporting.

Norway's government said the talks were intended to put negotiations on a more constructive path.

Stubb described progress towards potential peace arrangements, although officials provided few details about the proposals discussed.

The Finnish president cautioned that further patience would be necessary, indicating that substantial negotiations remain before any settlement could be reached.

The meeting also addressed security guarantees for Ukraine and the wider diplomatic process involving Washington, Kyiv and European governments.

Zelensky emphasised that Ukraine must participate in decisions affecting its territory, security and political future.

The Ukrainian president's position comes amid discussions about possible high-level negotiations involving Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Kyiv has repeatedly insisted that any agreement must take account of Ukraine's sovereignty and cannot be negotiated exclusively by outside powers.

Norwegian Prime Minister Støre reiterated his government's commitment to supporting Ukraine's security and pursuing a durable peace.

US envoy prepares for talks with Russia

Attention is now turning towards Russia, where Witkoff is expected to hold further discussions following the Oslo meeting.

The American envoy is scheduled to travel to St Petersburg on Wednesday, 21 October, as Washington seeks a response to the latest diplomatic proposals.

Zelensky and European officials have indicated that Russia's reaction will be an important test of whether the current negotiations can advance.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said Moscow is prepared to hear the proposals but has ruled out political concessions.

Putin had not publicly responded to the latest Oslo discussions at the time of the BBC's report.

The diplomatic efforts are taking place against a background of continued Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.

According to Ukrainian regional police, Russian missile and drone attacks in the Kyiv region killed four people and injured 27 others, including children, during the period reported on Tuesday.

Attacks also affected energy facilities in the southern Odesa region, causing electricity outages in some areas.

Russia's Defence Ministry said its forces had targeted logistics and port infrastructure, while also reporting the interception of Ukrainian drones over Russian territory.

The battlefield developments highlight the continued risks to civilians as negotiations proceed without an agreed ceasefire.