In a pivotal diplomatic move, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg to discuss a potential ceasefire in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Al Jazeera reported.
The meeting, held at the presidential library, lasted over four hours and was broadcast on Russian state TV. According to the Kremlin, the discussions “focused on various aspects of the Ukrainian settlement,” though specific details were not disclosed.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov had earlier suggested that the talks could lay the groundwork for a possible face-to-face meeting between Putin and Trump, who have so far only spoken via phone since Trump’s return to the White House in January.
Witkoff’s visit marks a renewed U.S. push to revive stalled negotiations, with the White House confirming it as part of efforts toward a ceasefire and a long-term peace deal. “President Trump has been continually frustrated with both sides of this conflict,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, underscoring the administration’s intention to take a more proactive role in brokering peace.
There is also speculation that the talks touched on potential joint investments between the U.S. and Russia, particularly in the Arctic region and rare earth minerals.
Despite multiple rounds of talks, Trump has yet to secure concrete concessions from Moscow, though his administration remains committed to finding a diplomatic solution to end the war.
