Russian Missile Attacks Kill Nine in Ukraine as Zelenskyy Meets Western Officials

A fresh wave of Russian missile and drone attacks on civilian areas in Ukraine has killed at least nine people. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Oslo to secure more American and European assistance amid these strikes.

Oslo Talks and US Envoys

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff was in Oslo alongside Mr. Zelenskyy, while Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner joined via video conference. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Finnish President Alexander Stubb also met with the Ukrainian leader to discuss strengthening air defences and the joint production of weapons. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow hopes to organize a meeting with U.S. envoys in Russia soon, adding that Vladimir Putin's potential talks with them could happen as early as Wednesday.

Supply Shortages and US Relations

Relations between Mr. Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump have soured, with the Ukrainian leader stating that political decisions have slowed down support. Ukraine has nearly run out of American-made Patriot air defence interceptors, and Mr. Zelenskyy claimed the Pentagon is delaying missile deliveries purchased by other nations. He also sought help from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding delayed intelligence warnings and speed restrictions on Starshield, the military version of SpaceX's Starlink service. Mr. Rubio denied that Washington is deliberately withholding assistance, explaining that Patriot ammunition is in short supply globally.

European Support and Financial Aid

Western leaders and analysts note that Vladimir Putin is trying to bomb Ukraine into submission while U.S. support falters. European nations and EU institutions have allocated 237 billion euros, equivalent to 266 billion dollars, to support Ukraine, compared to 115 billion euros or 129 billion dollars from the United States, according to the Kiel Institute in Germany. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas accused American negotiators of pushing Ukraine to surrender land to Russia. Meanwhile, regional police reported that four people were killed and 27 others wounded, including children, in attacks on the Kyiv region over the past day.

Context

This escalation highlights the heavy toll of ongoing aerial bombardment on civilian populations as diplomatic efforts stall. The reliance on foreign air defence systems and financial aid underscores Ukraine's vulnerability to supply bottlenecks and shifting international political dynamics.