Putin, Witkoff meet in Russia for Ukraine war talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin opened discussions with US envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg on Wednesday, aiming to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Witkoff, who traveled from Norway, informed Putin about ideas for a potential peace deal following his meetings with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky. The US has been pushing for an end to Europe's worst conflict since World War II, as Russia continues to strike Ukrainian cities ahead of winter.

Witkoff presented papers to Putin, stating that they contained some ideas for a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. Putin thanked the US for its efforts to resolve the war and expressed his eagerness to learn about the outcome of the US meeting with Zelensky. The Russian leader has previously refused to meet directly with Zelensky and has indicated intentions to seize more of eastern Ukraine.

Witkoff expressed his hope that trilateral talks could resume, with the goal of technical teams discussing the next steps in the peace process. Putin acknowledged the US leader's insistence on ending the conflict, as heard during their recent phone call. Witkoff also relayed that his discussions with Zelensky were productive, hoping that today's talks could be another step forward in resolving the Ukrainian conflict.

Zelensky appreciated the resumption of US intelligence sharing on Russian strikes during his meeting with Washington. Witkoff noted that the US was grateful for a diesel deal struck with Russia, which allows Russian fuel to flow to the US amid eased sanctions. This deal aims to lower fuel prices in America ahead of midterm elections next month.

Putin announced the release of American citizen Stephen Hubbard, who had been detained by Russian forces in 2022 on accusations of being a mercenary for Ukraine. Trump had requested Putin's intervention in Hubbard's case. Witkoff praised Putin's humanitarian gesture, and Trump confirmed that Hubbard was on his way to the United States.