Peter Frølich Slams U.S. as Zelenskyy Arrives for Oslo Talks

Peter Frølich, chair of the Norwegian parliament’s Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee, sharply criticized the United States on Tuesday, October 20, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Norway for talks with American envoy Steve Witkoff.

Frølich, a Conservative Party politician and co-founder of the aid organization Free Ukraine, said Washington was placing itself on the “wrong side of history.” Speaking as a committed friend of America, he argued that President Donald Trump’s approach was damaging the country’s own credibility.

His criticism covered sanctions relief for Russia, Trump’s public attacks on Zelenskyy and threats to Ukraine’s access to American intelligence and satellite communications. Frølich described the pressure on Ukraine as morally reprehensible. He welcomed the Oslo talks while expressing limited optimism about their outcome.

Norway and Finland bring the parties together

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Finnish President Alexander Stubb are hosting the discussions at Zelenskyy’s request.

Witkoff is attending in person, while Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and fellow envoy, is participating remotely. Støre said Ukraine had requested their involvement and described the purpose as steering diplomatic efforts toward a more constructive course.

Stubb’s office confirmed that the agenda covers Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and the wider European security situation. Its announcement established Finland’s participation and the subjects under discussion, offering no separate assessment of Washington’s latest actions.

Zelenskyy’s program also includes a parliamentary visit and an audience with King Haakon VIII. A joint press conference with Støre and Stubb is scheduled after the talks.

Missile deliveries become an immediate test

The meeting comes as relations between Kyiv and Washington deteriorate over American sanctions relief for Russia and Ukraine’s access to military support. Kyiv says restrictions on intelligence and satellite services are affecting its ability to defend itself.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged on Tuesday that a batch of interceptor missiles purchased for Ukraine by its allies may still be awaiting delivery. He rejected allegations that Washington had issued a political directive to harm Ukraine.

Rubio said he had spoken with Zelenskyy for 45 minutes. The Ukrainian president said their discussion covered ballistic missile defense, early warnings of Russian attacks and restoring Starlink and Starshield satellite services.

Moscow awaits the next move

Witkoff plans to visit Russia after Oslo to present proposals developed with Ukraine and European partners, an American official said.

The Kremlin said it hoped Witkoff could soon brief Russian President Vladimir Putin on Ukrainian and European thinking about a possible settlement. The timing of that meeting remains unconfirmed.

Ahead of the Oslo discussions, Støre said the American envoys’ negotiating mandate remained to be established—a question the talks themselves would have to clarify.