Kathmandu- Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff held a nearly three-hour meeting in St. Petersburg to discuss the war in Ukraine, the possibility of renewed peace negotiations, and potential economic cooperation between Moscow and Washington.
According to Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov, the meeting was detailed and candid, marking the ninth contact between Putin and Witkoff. Ushakov said the discussions complemented ongoing communication between the Russian and American presidents.
Russia Proposes Renewed Trilateral Negotiations
The war in Ukraine was the central focus of the meeting. Ushakov said Putin claimed Russian forces were effectively striking Ukraine’s military-industrial facilities and maintaining the strategic initiative on the battlefield.
Putin also indicated that Russia was generally prepared to resume trilateral negotiations involving Russia, the United States, and Ukraine around November 10. The proposed talks would address key obstacles to a settlement, including security arrangements for both Russia and Ukraine after the conflict ends.
However, the prospects for renewed negotiations remain uncertain, with significant disagreements continuing over security guarantees and the terms of a potential peace agreement.
Moscow Expresses Reservations About New Proposals
During the meeting, Witkoff briefed Putin on new proposals from European countries and Ukraine that emerged during discussions in Oslo.
According to Ushakov, Moscow saw limited substantive value in the proposals as a basis for resolving the conflict. The comments suggest that differences remain between Russia and Western-backed approaches to ending the war.
Jared Kushner, who was reportedly expected to travel to St. Petersburg, did not attend the meeting for health reasons, according to the Russian statement.
Humanitarian Issues Also Discussed
The discussions also covered the release of Hubbard, who was handed over to Witkoff at Pulkovo Airport for his return to the United States.
Ushakov said Witkoff indicated that the gesture would be appreciated by U.S. President Donald Trump and the American public.
Putin also asked Witkoff to convey his best wishes to Trump and expressed appreciation to Melania Trump for her humanitarian efforts, particularly concerning the situation in Aleshki.
Russia and U.S. Explore Economic Cooperation
Beyond the Ukraine conflict, Putin and Witkoff discussed the possibility of launching large-scale joint economic projects between Russia and the United States.
Ushakov described the potential cooperation as offering significant opportunities, although the statement did not provide specific details about projects, investments, or implementation timelines.
The discussions indicate that economic relations remain part of the broader diplomatic dialogue between Moscow and Washington, despite continuing tensions over the war.
Possible Putin–Trump–Xi Meeting in China
The two sides also discussed the possibility of a trilateral meeting involving Putin, Trump, and Chinese President Xi Jinping in China.
According to Ushakov, the Chinese side was preparing for a possible meeting. However, no confirmed date, location, or final arrangements were announced, and the meeting would depend on circumstances.
Peace Prospects Remain Uncertain
The Putin–Witkoff meeting highlights continued diplomatic engagement between Russia and the United States as efforts to explore a possible settlement in Ukraine face substantial challenges.
Although Moscow has indicated a willingness to resume trilateral negotiations around November 10, disagreements over security arrangements, battlefield conditions, and the terms of a settlement could complicate progress.
The details of the meeting and the assessments of the negotiations cited in this report are based on Ushakov’s account. The claims have not been independently verified, and it remains unclear whether the proposed talks will take place as anticipated.