INTEL: Putin and Witkoff hold Ukraine peace talks ahead of new Oslo discussions

Russian President Vladimir Putin met US special envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg on October 21, 2026, for discussions aimed at reviving negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.

The meeting followed talks in Oslo on October 20 involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Finnish President Alexander Stubb.

Witkoff was expected to return to Oslo after meeting Putin to convey the Russian side’s response to proposals discussed with Ukrainian and European representatives.

US seeks renewed negotiations between Russia and Ukraine

The St. Petersburg meeting was the ninth face-to-face encounter between Putin and Witkoff.

The US envoy raised the possibility of restarting trilateral negotiations involving Washington, Moscow and Kyiv.

The earlier Oslo discussions covered possible security guarantees for Ukraine, the conditions for a peace settlement and longer-term arrangements following the conflict.

American and European officials described progress in those discussions, although no final peace agreement has been announced.

Norway and Finland take part in diplomatic efforts

Norway and Finland hosted and participated in the October 20 negotiations alongside Ukraine and American representatives.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre subsequently confirmed plans for Witkoff to return to Oslo following his meeting with Putin.

The discussions represent an effort to coordinate American, Ukrainian and European proposals before further engagement with Moscow.

What happens next?

Attention now turns to Russia’s response and whether the parties can agree on another round of direct negotiations.

Important differences remain over territory, security guarantees and the conditions required to end the fighting.

No agreement ending the war or establishing a comprehensive ceasefire has been confirmed following the St. Petersburg meeting.