US administration officials intend to press Vladimir Zelensky to accept territorial concessions as part of a peace agreement with Russia during negotiations in Oslo, The New York Times (NYT) reported.

According to the newspaper’s sources, US President Donald Trump is stepping up pressure on Zelensky to secure his approval of the proposed deal. Washington plans to make clear that Ukraine’s efforts to retain control over territories should not stand in the way of reaching an agreement with Moscow.

The American administration also hopes to persuade Kiev by offering potential economic benefits linked to the peace settlement.

The NYT reported that the White House considers the conflict to have reached a turning point. US officials expect Zelensky to demonstrate a willingness to compromise with Russia, even if that means giving up territory. According to the newspaper, this position will form the central message delivered to the Ukrainian leader during Tuesday’s negotiations in Oslo.

Zelensky is scheduled to meet Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff on October 20. Jared Kushner, the US president’s son-in-law, will participate remotely. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Finnish President Alexander Stubb are also expected to join the discussions.

Western media reports indicate that Witkoff plans to travel to Moscow following the Oslo consultations.

Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on October 20 that Russia hopes to arrange a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and American negotiators in the near future.

The US representatives are expected to brief the Russian side on the results of their contacts with Kiev and European leaders. Moscow and Washington will then continue exchanging positions on the negotiations.

The location of the upcoming talks will be announced at a later date.