Putin, Trump Envoy Hold Closed-Door Talks On Ukraine In St Petersburg

Russian President Vladimir Putin met privately with Steve Witkoff, the special envoy of US President Donald Trump, on Friday in St Petersburg.

The two leaders discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to a statement from the Kremlin.

While the Kremlin confirmed that the meeting addressed ‘various aspects of the Ukrainian settlement’, it did not provide further details.

“You’re right — let’s make it even more active and direct,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said officials met behind closed doors and anticipated no major breakthrough, despite exchanging views.

Preliminary Talks With Russian Officials

Before his meeting with Putin, Witkoff met with Kirill Dmitriev, the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund and the Russian presidential envoy for international economic cooperation.

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Dmitriev described their discussions as ‘productive’, signaling a positive tone ahead of the high-level engagement.

According to the Russian news agency TASS, Witkoff arrived in Russia on Friday morning for a short business visit and departed St Petersburg later that evening.

The brief nature of the visit underscores the focused and strategic nature of the discussions.

Progress Reported On Diplomatic Banking Services

Meanwhile, separate developments between Russian and US diplomats unfolded in Istanbul.

The Russian consulate reported progress on resolving banking and financial service issues affecting both nations’ diplomatic missions.

During the second round of bilateral talks, delegations exchanged diplomatic notes formalizing commitments aimed at restoring financial operations.

“These commitments are designed to facilitate unimpeded banking and financial services for Russian and American diplomatic missions and to ensure Russia’s contributions to the budgets of the UN and other international organizations,” the consulate said in a press release.

Roadmap Agreed For Diplomatic Property Dispute

Additionally, the two sides agreed to develop a roadmap to address the long-standing dispute over six diplomatic properties confiscated by US authorities.

The consulate emphasized that Russia lawfully owns these properties and prioritizes their return in ongoing negotiations.

Although the meetings produced no immediate breakthroughs, Washington and Moscow continue to make efforts to keep communication channels open, particularly on complex geopolitical and diplomatic issues.