In a move that has raised eyebrows globally, US President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff on Friday held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The crucial meeting that took place in Saint Petersburg centered on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. According to Al Jazeera’s report, Putin greeted Witkoff at the presidential library ahead of the negotiations.
What Was Discussed In The Closed-Door Talks?
The meeting, which added a new layer of intrigue, lasted for over four hours. The closed-door talks reportedly focused on various aspects of the Ukranian settlement, the Kremlin said. Earlier, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov hinted towards the possibility of a face-to-face talk between Trump and Putin. Meanwhile, no further details were given regarding the meeting.
Who Is Steve Witkoff?
The United States Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, is a key figure in the on-off private exchange between Moscow and Washington. The high-profile meeting comes amid talks on the Russian side of joint investments in the Arctic and Russian rare earth minerals. The talks reportedly aim to revive stalled negotiations over the terms of a ceasefire deal.
Karoline Leavitt On Talks Of Peace
Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on Friday that Witkoff is in Russia to hold negotiations with the Kremlin and Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of the ongoing efforts toward a possible peace deal for the Ukraine conflict. She added that President Trump has been “continually frustrated with both sides of this conflict.”
Trump Fails To Extract Concessions From The Kremlin
According to reports, Putin and Trump have already spoken on the phone but are yet to meet in person. Following Trump’s return to the White House in January for a second four-year term, he has been pushing Moscow and Kyiv to agree on a ceasefire deal. Despite several rounds of talks, he has failed to extract any major concessions from the Kremlin.
Trump Slams Ukraine Conflict
Ahead of Putin-Steve’s high-profile meeting, US President Donald Trump on Thursday demanded Russia’s speedy action through his Truth Social X handle. In his post, he highlighted the tragic death count from Ukraine’s conflicts, which amounted to thousands weekly. He said, “Russia has to get moving. Too many people ere DYING, thousands a week, in a terrible and senseless war – A war that should have never happened, and wouldn’t have happened, if I were President!!!”
Also Read: Trump Slams Ukraine Conflict, Calls Death Toll ‘Senseless’ In Message To Russia
