US, Ukraine, and EU align on peace steps as pressure turns to Putin

The United States reports significant progress in diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine following talks in Oslo between President Volodymyr Zelensky and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, with attention now turning to Witkoff's expected meeting with Vladimir Putin on Wednesday. A US official said there is now "strong alignment" between the US, Ukraine, and Europe on next steps, with Witkoff set to travel to St. Petersburg to present proposals discussed with Ukrainian and European sides. Finnish President Alexander Stubb described "real progress" but cautioned patience is needed, while Kyiv and its allies say the ball is now in Russia's court. The talks covered security guarantees for Ukraine and a ceasefire proposal targeting energy infrastructure. Relations between Washington and Kyiv have recently strained, with Trump suggesting Ukraine needs a new president, while Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov has ruled out "any political concessions."