US Special Envoy Witkoff Meets Putin After 'Positive' Talks with Zelenskyy

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has arrived in Russia for discussions with Russian leaders on the Ukraine war, following what were described as "positive" talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Norway. Witkoff is scheduled to meet with President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg on Wednesday, as the US intensifies its push for an end to the conflict that began over four and a half years ago.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized Witkoff's discussions with Zelenskyy as "positive," noting that the US envoy would share the outcomes with Putin. These diplomatic efforts are part of a broader push to find a resolution to the ongoing war.

Highlights

• US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff held 'positive' talks with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Norway.
• Witkoff is now in Russia to meet with Russian leaders, including President Putin, in St. Petersburg.
• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the discussions between Witkoff and Zelenskyy as "positive."
• Tensions have reportedly increased between US President Donald Trump and Zelenskyy, with accusations of suspended intelligence sharing.
• Prime ministers of Norway and Finland, along with representatives from the EU and NATO, also attended the talks in Oslo.

Details

US President Donald Trump has recently expressed growing frustration with Zelenskyy, suggesting that someone else should negotiate on Kyiv's behalf. These remarks reportedly signal a new low in their relationship, while Zelenskyy has accused the US of suspending crucial intelligence sharing. Rubio stated that Witkoff would convey the results of his discussions with Zelenskyy to Putin. Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, also participated virtually in the talks with Zelenskyy due to illness and is expected to attend the meeting with Putin remotely.

Following Tuesday's talks, Zelenskyy announced that "very, very important" intelligence from the US had been restored. He also accused Washington of slowing down Starshield, a military-grade internet service crucial for Ukraine's battlefield operations. Rubio dismissed these accusations, but The Wall Street Journal reported, citing US officials, that Elon Musk ordered the slowdown of the service.

Why it matters

These intensified diplomatic efforts highlight the international community's growing pressure to resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The direct engagement of a high-level US representative with both Ukrainian and Russian leaders offers hope for a negotiated settlement. However, existing tensions between the US and Ukraine, particularly regarding intelligence sharing, underscore the complexities of the ongoing peace process.