Zelenskyy seeks European unity in Oslo as US ties fray

Zelenskyy's visit to Oslo aimed to project European unity in supporting Ukraine amid a deteriorating relationship with US President Donald Trump, described as a diplomatic damage control effort. The meeting sought to persuade the US to soften recent positions. Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Støre and Finnish President Alexander Stubb met US envoy Steve Witkoff, who was heading to St. Petersburg, to discuss proposals for the Ukraine-US relationship. Expert Fredrik Wesslau noted Trump's criticism is driven by midterm election politics, particularly gasoline prices. Wesslau suggested Zelenskyy's directness targets the US establishment and midterm candidates, with some success given Republican support. He expressed no hope for near-term peace, asserting Trump's peace efforts are motivated by a desire to formalize business relations with Russia.