The key facts
- Putin and Witkoff discussed the Ukrainian settlement, the economy, and humanitarian issues
- Witkoff brought documents with settlement proposals and stated that there are prerequisites for a ceasefire
- Yuri Ushakov and Kirill Dmitriev took part in the meeting; Jared Kushner did not come due to illness
Meeting at the Constantine Palace
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with the American leader's special envoy Steve Witkoff at the Constantine Palace in St. Petersburg. The Russian leader greeted the guest and said he was glad to see him in Russia. Already at the start of the talks, the parties touched on the Ukrainian settlement, economic relations, and humanitarian issues. Taking part in the meeting are aide to the President of the Russian Federation Yuri Ushakov and head of the RDIF Kirill Dmitriev.
Humanitarian Theme and Words of Gratitude
Putin asked Witkoff to convey gratitude to Donald Trump and US First Lady Melania Trump for their assistance in resolving humanitarian problems. He also recalled that during their last phone call, his American counterpart placed particular emphasis on the need to end hostilities in order to save human lives.
Witkoff's Statements on the Settlement
Witkoff stated that there are prerequisites for a ceasefire in Ukraine. According to him, the Ukrainian side also understands the economic opportunities that will open up after the conflict ends. The special envoy brought documents with settlement proposals to St. Petersburg and expressed hope that Putin would consider the possibility of resuming trilateral talks between Russia, the US, and Ukraine to discuss technical issues.
Economic Cooperation
A separate topic was the restoration of economic cooperation between Moscow and Washington. Putin confirmed Russia's interest in developing such relations. As an example of successful interaction, Witkoff cited the agreements on Russian diesel fuel and thanked the President of the Russian Federation for the decisions allowing its supply to world markets.
Context of the Visit
Against the backdrop of the talks, it became known that American Stephen Hubbard, convicted in Russia in a mercenary case, is at Pulkovo Airport. Witkoff arrived in St. Petersburg after consultations with Volodymyr Zelensky and European representatives in Oslo. According to Life.ru, the main topic of the meeting was to be the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict; the talks were agreed upon a few days before the visit. Jared Kushner, who has participated in Washington's diplomatic contacts, was unable to come to St. Petersburg due to illness.
