Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky appear to remain at odds despite a more optimistic atmosphere in Oslo, where the Ukrainian leader embraced Steve Witkoff.
The gesture between Zelensky and Witkoff, a US figure involved in discussions concerning Ukraine, may have suggested a warmer tone during the meeting in the Norwegian capital. However, it is unlikely to remove wider concerns about the direction of US policy towards Ukraine.
The apparent contrast between the positive symbolism in Oslo and continuing differences involving Trump and Zelensky leaves uncertainty over the future relationship between Washington and Kyiv. The available material does not provide further details of the disagreements or indicate whether the meeting produced any formal agreement.
The latest position is therefore one of cautious optimism alongside unresolved misgivings. While the interaction between Zelensky and Witkoff offered a moment of cordiality, it has not established that the broader tensions have been settled.
