The Kremlin has announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to meet with Steve Witkoff, the envoy of US President Donald Trump, today to discuss various topics, including the situation in Ukraine.
The Kremlin has announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin will engage in discussions today with Steve Witkoff, the envoy of US President Donald Trump, focusing on various issues, including the conflict in Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated to state media that “the conversation on various aspects of the Ukrainian settlement will continue,” as reported by AFP.
Peskov downplayed the significance of the upcoming meeting between Witkoff and Putin, indicating to Russian state media that the US envoy’s visit would not be “momentous” and that no significant breakthroughs are anticipated.
He further mentioned that Putin intends to express Moscow’s “concerns” during the discussions.
Earlier, Peskov confirmed Witkoff’s arrival in Russia, stating, “Yes, I confirm. He has indeed arrived in Russia,” as reported by CNN.
Peskov refrained from commenting on speculation regarding a potential meeting between Putin and Witkoff.
A report from Reuters indicated that the two may also discuss the possibility of a meeting between Trump and Putin.
The Izvestia news outlet shared footage of Witkoff departing a hotel in St. Petersburg, accompanied by Kirill Dmitriev, who serves as Putin’s investment envoy.
Witkoff has become a significant player in the fluctuating relationship between Moscow and Washington, with discussions on the Russian side regarding potential joint investments in the Arctic and in rare earth minerals.
On the same day, Putin was in St. Petersburg for what the Kremlin described as an “extraordinarily important” meeting concerning the development of the Russian Navy, which is currently undergoing a substantial modernization and expansion effort.
This meeting marks their third encounter this year and occurs amidst heightened tensions between the US and Iran and China—two nations with which Russia maintains close relations—over Iran’s nuclear program and an escalating trade conflict with Beijing.
Witkoff is scheduled to travel to Oman on Saturday for discussions with Iran regarding its nuclear program, following Trump’s warning of military action if Tehran does not agree to a deal. Moscow has consistently offered its assistance in seeking a resolution.
Putin and Trump have had telephone conversations; however, they have not met in person since the U.S. president resumed his position in the White House in January for a second four-year term.
