The key facts
- Witkoff called the talks “constructive”; continuation at the technical level in the US–Russia–Ukraine format
- In St. Petersburg, Witkoff met with Putin; they discussed the framework for peace and the release of American Stephen Hubbard
- Ushakov: the war is moving toward a settlement, but it is hard to assess how close an agreement is
Talks to continue at technical level
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said on Wednesday, October 21, that the peace efforts involving Russia, Ukraine and European leaders were “constructive,” and that trilateral talks between the US, Russia and Ukraine will continue at the technical level. In a statement on the social network X, he emphasized that the discussions are part of President Donald Trump's efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
Meetings in Oslo and St. Petersburg
Witkoff said he personally took part in the meetings in Oslo and St. Petersburg, while Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner joined virtually. In St. Petersburg, Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to build on the progress made at earlier talks in Oslo with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders. According to him, the meeting was devoted to the framework structure of peace; he also expressed gratitude to Putin for the release of American citizen Stephen Hubbard.
Assessments from the parties: work ahead
Witkoff acknowledged that significant work remains before an agreement is reached: “While important work remains, President Trump remains committed to ending this war and achieving a comprehensive, lasting peace that will ensure security and prosperity for future generations,” Anadolu quotes him as saying. Kushner, for his part, thanked Trump for his leadership, as well as the Ukrainian, European and Russian parties for their “constructive” participation, adding that hard work still lies ahead, but there is a real opportunity to move beyond this war and build a framework for a lasting peace.
Moscow's position
Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said the same day that the war in Ukraine is moving closer to a settlement. However, according to him, it remains difficult to assess how close the parties are to reaching an agreement.
