Trump envoy Witkoff to meet Putin in St. Petersburg for Ukraine war talks

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in St. Petersburg on Wednesday to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, as U.S. President Donald Trump encourages Kyiv to negotiate a cease-fire. Witkoff had previously met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders in Oslo. He intends to return to Oslo for further discussions.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre suggested that Russia may be open to diplomacy. Zelenskyy remains in Oslo where he visited the Parliament and met with lawmakers. The U.S. envoy's meetings indicate a push for U.S.-led peace efforts, though significant progress remains elusive. Both sides remain far apart in their conditions for settlement, and their armies continue to engage in daily long-range strikes.