Russian President Vladimir Putin held 'constructive' discussions with US envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow, focusing on strategic cooperation amidst the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The meeting, requested by the Kremlin, lasted three hours and was marked by high expectations due to recent US military movements and potential sanctions. President Trump has expressed frustration over the lack of progress in peace negotiations with Russia.
Kremlin Engages in 'Constructive' Talks with US Envoy Steve Witkoff
Kremlin Engages in 'Constructive' Talks with US Envoy Steve Witkoff
Russian President Vladimir Putin has engaged in 'constructive' talks with US envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow, according to the Kremlin. Strategic cooperation was discussed alongside the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Steve Witkoff's visit to Moscow was at the Kremlin's request. Initially, it was unclear if a meeting with Putin was on the agenda, but the two met in the morning. A video published by state-run Tass shows the two men, smiling and in suits, shaking hands.
The Kremlin stated that the meeting, which lasted three hours, was constructive.
– A quite useful and constructive conversation took place, said Putin's advisor Yuri Ushakov about the meeting, according to news agency AFP.
Alongside the Ukraine conflict, 'strategic cooperation' between the US and Russia was discussed.
High Expectations
Expectations for the visit were high. Last week, US President Donald Trump ordered two nuclear submarines to move closer to Russia. He also reduced the deadline for Russia to agree on a peace settlement with Ukraine from 50 to 10–12 days – otherwise, further US sanctions await.
This means the deadline expires at the end of this week.
On Tuesday, Trump spoke by phone with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky about potential economic sanctions against Russia, according to media reports.
According to sources from the Financial Times, Trump is considering sanctions against the so-called Russian shadow fleet.
Frustrated
The American president has been frustrated by the difficulties in getting Russia to agree to a peace settlement in the Ukraine conflict.
– I am disappointed with, but not done with (Vladimir) Putin, Trump said in an interview with the BBC in July.
Since then, the situation has hardly improved. President Putin has consistently rejected calls for a ceasefire and instead intensified the offensive war in the neighboring country with even more extensive airstrikes on cities and offensives along the front lines.
Trump has called the actions 'disgusting' and accused Putin of 'nonsense'.