OSLO, NORWAY — October 21, 2026. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered an emotional assessment of Russia’s ongoing invasion, insisting that Ukraine is not losing the war while acknowledging the devastating human cost of continued attacks. Speaking during a news conference in Oslo on October 20, he called for an urgent diplomatic solution and appealed to the United States and European nations for continued assistance.
Zelenskyy’s remarks followed discussions with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and American representatives. His message combined confidence in Ukraine’s military resistance with concern for civilians, particularly children whose lives have been disrupted by more than four years of warfare.
ZELENSKYY WARNS ABOUT THE HUMAN COST OF WAR
Asked whether Ukraine was losing the conflict, Zelenskyy rejected that characterization but acknowledged that the country continues to suffer casualties and lose valuable time because of Russian attacks.
He emphasized that the consequences extend far beyond the battlefield, affecting families, communities and everyday life throughout Ukraine. The president argued that the continuing loss of human life makes reaching an end to the conflict increasingly urgent.
UKRAINIAN CHILDREN FACE YEARS OF DISRUPTED CHILDHOODS
One of the most personal moments of Zelenskyy’s statement concerned Ukrainian children, who have grown up amid air raid warnings, displacement, interrupted education and uncertainty.
The president expressed sorrow that young Ukrainians have been deprived of ordinary childhood experiences. His comments reflected the wider humanitarian consequences of Russia’s full-scale invasion, launched in February 2022.
The European Union has also documented extensive damage to Ukraine’s educational infrastructure, including thousands of schools affected by Russian attacks.
UKRAINE CALLS ON THE UNITED STATES AND EUROPE
Zelenskyy expressed hope that American and European partners would help Ukraine secure an end to the war. He reiterated Kyiv’s willingness to participate in negotiations and consider arrangements that could reduce hostilities.
The appeal came amid renewed diplomatic efforts involving U.S. representatives and European leaders. Ukraine continues to seek security guarantees that would protect the country against future attacks as part of any negotiated settlement.
U.S. INTELLIGENCE SHARING RESUMES
During the Oslo discussions, Zelenskyy said the United States had restored intelligence-sharing capabilities used to provide early warnings of Russian ballistic missile attacks.
He welcomed the development, explaining that advance warnings give civilians additional time to seek shelter. The restoration followed a period of tension between Washington and Kyiv over military assistance, sanctions policy and diplomatic negotiations.
UKRAINIAN SOLDIERS REMAIN CENTRAL TO HIS POSITION
Zelenskyy also praised Ukrainian military personnel for maintaining their positions despite the prolonged conflict.
He said the resilience of Ukrainian soldiers provides him with confidence during international negotiations, linking Ukraine’s diplomatic position to the continued determination of its armed forces.
WHAT COMES NEXT FOR PEACE NEGOTIATIONS?
Following the Oslo meeting, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff was scheduled to travel to Russia for further discussions with Russian officials.
Ukraine has maintained that any negotiations determining its territory, sovereignty or future security must include Ukrainian representatives. European leaders have similarly emphasized that a lasting settlement cannot be imposed without Kyiv’s participation.
Although diplomatic contacts continue, no comprehensive peace agreement has been reached. Zelenskyy’s latest statement underscores the central challenge facing negotiators: ending the fighting while addressing the human cost of the war and Ukraine’s long-term security.
