By Gloria Nosa
On Friday, April 11, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg as part of renewed efforts to mediate peace in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The meeting took place at the city’s presidential library and was broadcast live on Russian state television.
In video footage released earlier by Izvestia, Witkoff was seen arriving alongside Kirill Dmitriev, Putin’s investment envoy. This marks the third meeting between the two officials in 2025, underscoring Witkoff’s growing influence in U.S.-Russia diplomacy.
The discussions come as ceasefire talks in Ukraine remain deadlocked. The U.S. and Russia remain at odds over the conditions necessary to halt the fighting. Despite the standoff, Trump has urged for faster progress, warning of possible secondary sanctions on countries purchasing Russian oil if Moscow does not accelerate peace efforts.
“Russia has to get moving. Too many people are dying, thousands every week, in a terrible and senseless war — a war that should have never happened, and wouldn’t have happened if I were President!” Trump declared.
Putin, while expressing some openness to a ceasefire, insists that certain core issues be resolved first, including Ukraine’s aspirations to join NATO and the status of contested regions. Moscow’s demands include a ban on Ukraine joining NATO, a reduction in Ukraine’s military size, and recognition of Russian control over four disputed Ukrainian regions.
Although Russia controls less than 20% of Ukraine’s territory, it continues to press on with military advances, viewing itself as negotiating from a position of strength. Kyiv, however, has firmly rejected Russia’s terms, calling them effectively an ultimatum for surrender.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that a potential face-to-face meeting between Trump and Putin had been discussed. Despite phone conversations since Trump’s return to the White House in January, the two leaders have yet to meet in person.
Peskov cautioned that the Witkoff-Putin meeting should not be seen as a turning point, noting that no significant breakthroughs were expected. He emphasized that the meeting provided an opportunity for Moscow to express concerns, particularly regarding alleged strikes on energy infrastructure.
Witkoff’s visit also comes amid rising tensions between the U.S. and two of Russia’s key allies, Iran and China. The U.S. is engaged in a standoff with Iran over its nuclear program and a growing trade dispute with China, complicating the U.S.-Russia relationship.
On Saturday, Witkoff is scheduled to visit Oman for talks with Iranian officials. President Trump has threatened military action against Iran if a new nuclear deal is not struck, with Russia offering to mediate those negotiations.
Meanwhile, U.S. and Russian officials reported progress in restoring diplomatic ties during talks in Istanbul on Thursday, including efforts to normalize embassy operations.
