Putin begins meeting with Trump's envoy Witkoff

Russian ruler Vladimir Putin has begun a meeting with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who said the talks in Oslo were productive and that progress has been made.

Source: Kremlin-aligned Russian news agencies Interfax and TASS

Details: Putin asked Witkoff about the outcome of the meeting in Norway. According to TASS, Witkoff said efforts are underway to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine.

The US envoy said he hopes trilateral talks between Ukraine, the US and Russia will resume, so that the sides could discuss technical issues. He also said he has brought documents containing proposals for a settlement to the war in Ukraine.

Putin thanked Trump for his attention to resolving the war. The Kremlin ruler said that during their most recent conversation, the US president stressed the need to end the war to stop further loss of life.

The meeting also addressed prospects for economic cooperation alongside efforts to end the war. Putin said Russia is interested in resuming such cooperation, while Witkoff spoke about opportunities to develop economic ties between the US and Russia after hostilities end.

The US envoy also thanked Putin on Trump's behalf for his decision regarding the diesel deal. Putin claimed that global market prices fell by 5-6% following the decision on diesel and said Russia could increase fertiliser supplies to the US.

The situation surrounding Iran was also discussed. Putin said Russia is willing to help resolve the conflict.

Background:

• On 20 October, talks involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US and European representatives took place in Oslo.
• Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced that Witkoff would travel to St Petersburg the following day to discuss the outcome of the talks and the proposals prepared with the Russian leadership.
• According to Støre, the Oslo talks covered Ukraine's security, post-war recovery, territorial issues, sanctions and the European security order after the war.

Your support on Patreon helps us keep the news free and accessible.