Amidst stalled peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, a senior White House representative, Steve Witkoff, traveled to St. Petersburg on Friday to engage in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
This meeting occurred after weeks of frustration expressed by President Donald Trump regarding the lack of progress towards a ceasefire. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the encounter as “another step in the negotiating process,” emphasizing that Trump has repeatedly voiced his dissatisfaction with both sides and desires an end to the conflict.
Images broadcasted by Russian media showed Putin and Witkoff meeting at the presidential library, signaling a continued effort towards finding a resolution. Leavitt indicated that the United States possesses leverage over both Ukraine and Russia, which they intend to utilize to facilitate a peace agreement.
Trump maintains he doesn’t believe Putin harbors ambitions of dominating Europe. The President has insisted on an immediate 30-day ceasefire for both nations while a more comprehensive peace deal is worked out. While Ukraine has agreed to this proposal, Russia has not yet done so.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently alleged that at least 155 Chinese citizens are actively fighting alongside Russian forces, suggesting potential manpower assistance from China and North Korea. The Kremlin swiftly denied these allegations, asserting that China maintains a “balanced position” on the conflict and accusing Zelenskyy of misinformation.
Prior to Witkoff’s meeting, Trump intensified pressure on Putin through his social media platform, Truth Social, stating: “Russia has to get moving. Too many people are DYING, thousands a week, in a terrible and senseless war – a war that should have never happened, and wouldn’t have happened, if I were President!!!”
Earlier this month, Trump expressed his frustration with Putin, threatening the imposition of “secondary tariffs” on Russian oil exports—a crucial source of funding for Russia’s war effort. This could involve sanctions against countries purchasing Russian oil or measures to disrupt their “shadow fleet” of tankers.
Trump has also publicly criticized Zelenskyy, characterizing him as a leader operating without democratic elections, and a recent White House meeting between the two ended abruptly after a tense exchange.
Key Developments:
- Ukraine agreed to both an unconditional ceasefire and a more specific maritime ceasefire.
- Russia has requested the lifting of some sanctions as part of their demands.
During a Cabinet meeting, Trump expressed cautious optimism, stating, “We are making progress. We hope that we are getting relatively close to getting a deal between Russia and Ukraine to stop the fighting.”
The prisoner exchange involving American-Russian ballerina Ksenia Karelina took place on Friday, returning her to the United States after she was sentenced in 2022 to twelve years in prison for donating $51 to a Ukrainian charity.
Prior to Witkoff’s visit, U.S. and Russian officials met in Istanbul to discuss the possibility of reopening their respective embassies.
This St. Petersburg meeting marks Witkoff’s third encounter with Putin this year. Following his discussions in Russia, he is scheduled to travel to Oman to continue nuclear negotiations with Iran.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov cautioned against expectations of immediate breakthroughs, characterizing the process as “ongoing” towards normalizing relations.
Quote:
“We believe we have leverage in negotiating a deal… And we’re going to use that leverage. And the president is determined to see this through,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
