ST. PETERSBURG — US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff met Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss proposals for ending the war in Ukraine, including a possible meeting between Putin, Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky.
The discussions also involve an energy agreement between Russia and the United States. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak announced that the first tanker carrying 40,000 tonnes of Russian diesel is scheduled to depart for the US on October 22, with additional shipments expected.
During the visit, Russia released 74-year-old American Stephen Hubbard, detained since 2022 on accusations of fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine.
Zelensky insists that Ukraine and Europe must participate in negotiations for a lasting peace. Meanwhile, Russian attacks on Ukraine continue, causing civilian deaths and injuries.