The key facts
- The Putin-Witkoff talks began on October 21 at the Constantine Palace in St. Petersburg.
- Witkoff arrived at Pulkovo after consultations with the Ukrainian and European delegations in Oslo.
- Jared Kushner was unable to attend the meeting due to illness.
Meeting in St. Petersburg
On October 21, talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US leader's special envoy Steve Witkoff began at the Constantine Palace in St. Petersburg. The start of the meeting was reported by Kremlin pool journalist Alexander Yunashev, who published the first footage.
Participants of the Talks
Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation Maxim Oreshkin, who oversees economic matters, is taking part in the talks. In the journalist's view, his presence may indicate that the parties intend to discuss not only the Ukrainian settlement but also prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation between Russia and the US. Also participating in the meeting is the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev — he met Witkoff in the morning at Pulkovo airport.
Context and Preparation
Earlier, Life.ru reported that the main topic of the meeting was to be the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict. Aide to the President of the Russian Federation Yuri Ushakov emphasized that the talks had been agreed upon several days ago. Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, who was also supposed to take part in the meeting, was unable to come due to illness.
Oslo and Expectations
Witkoff arrived in St. Petersburg after consultations with the Ukrainian and European delegations in Oslo. Finnish President Alexander Stubb stated the day before that at the talks in Oslo, representatives of the US, Ukraine and Europe found some 'elements of peace,' which Witkoff will present to the Russian side. According to the Finnish leader, the participants managed to make progress in discussing security issues, the economy, and possible mechanisms for ending hostilities. After the meeting with Putin, Witkoff is expected to return to the Europeans.
