Within a single week, the Ukrainian president was told to resign, then thanked an American envoy in Oslo for saving civilian lives. That whiplash captures the state of US diplomacy over the war in Ukraine. On Wednesday, the envoy in question, Steve Witkoff, landed in Saint Petersburg to meet Vladimir Putin, according to the Russian news agency TASS. The trip follows what Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking in India, called positive talks with Volodymyr Zelensky.

Mr Zelensky said he was grateful that Washington had resumed sharing intelligence on Russian strikes, describing the early warnings on incoming ballistic missiles as vital for children, adults and civilians alike. The warmer tone contrasts sharply with recent days, when President Donald Trump struck a diesel-supply deal with Mr Putin and called for Mr Zelensky to be replaced because Ukraine would not stop attacking Russian oil refineries. Axios reported that Mr Witkoff would present an updated proposal. Jared Kushner, Mr Trump's son-in-law, was expected to join the meeting virtually, while the Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev was due to greet Mr Witkoff at the airport.

The motives behind this shuttle diplomacy are open to interpretation. Supporters argue that keeping channels open to both capitals is the only realistic route to a ceasefire, particularly as Russia intensifies its strikes before a harsh winter. Critics counter that pressing the invaded country to concede, while the aggressor gains energy-market relief, rewards escalation. Mr Trump, who said he wants Mr Zelensky to make a deal, also revealed he had asked Mr Putin to free Stephen Hubbard, an American captured by Russian forces in Ukraine years ago, though it was unclear whether the matter would be raised.