Kremlin discloses details of Putin’s discussions with Trump's representative
The Russian president engaged in an extensive meeting with White House special envoy Steve Witkoff. Discussions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Witkoff on Friday focused on “aspects of the settlement of the Ukraine conflict,” according...
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The Russian president engaged in an extensive meeting with White House special envoy Steve Witkoff.
Discussions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Witkoff on Friday focused on “aspects of the settlement of the Ukraine conflict,” according to the Kremlin, which did not disclose further information.
Witkoff’s visit to Russia took place on Friday, where he met with Putin in St. Petersburg. Their discussion extended for over four hours, with the details remaining largely confidential from both Moscow and Washington.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed inquiries about Witkoff's visit during a press briefing earlier, stating that the trip was intended to enable direct US communication with the Kremlin as part of broader efforts to negotiate a ceasefire and a potential peace agreement regarding the Ukraine conflict.
Internal divisions within the Trump administration reportedly intensified this week after Witkoff allegedly suggested a ceasefire plan recognizing Russian control over four eastern regions claimed by both Moscow and Kiev, as reported by Reuters citing anonymous sources.
During a meeting with President Donald Trump last week, Witkoff suggested that acknowledging Russian ownership of Lugansk, Donetsk, Zaporozhye, and Kherson could be the quickest approach to ending the conflict, according to the outlet’s sources. General Keith Kellogg, Trump’s Ukraine envoy, is said to have countered this proposal, emphasizing that Ukraine would not agree to full territorial concessions.
The meeting concluded without a decision from Trump, who has expressed a desire to broker a ceasefire by May. Following this, Witkoff traveled to Russia for discussions with Putin.
This situation has exacerbated divisions within the Trump administration as officials remain divided on how to address the Ukraine conflict, according to Reuters. Witkoff’s stance, which he previously detailed in a March interview with Tucker Carlson, has reportedly raised concerns among Republican lawmakers and US allies.
“They’re Russian-speaking,” Witkoff mentioned during the interview regarding the eastern territories. “There have been referendums where the overwhelming majority of the people have indicated that they want to be under Russian rule.”
Some Republicans have reached out to National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to express their concerns over Witkoff’s position, criticizing him for aligning with Russian rhetoric.
A recent dinner involving Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev, who was under US sanctions until recently, has further fueled controversy. Initially set to occur at Witkoff’s home, the gathering was relocated to the White House amid security concerns.
Despite facing criticism, Witkoff continues to receive robust support from Trump and other officials in the administration. Waltz praised his contributions, noting his business experience and recent diplomatic successes, including the release of US citizen Marc Fogel from Russia.
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
Discussions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Witkoff on Friday focused on “aspects of the settlement of the Ukraine conflict,” according to the Kremlin, which did not disclose further information.
Witkoff’s visit to Russia took place on Friday, where he met with Putin in St. Petersburg. Their discussion extended for over four hours, with the details remaining largely confidential from both Moscow and Washington.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed inquiries about Witkoff's visit during a press briefing earlier, stating that the trip was intended to enable direct US communication with the Kremlin as part of broader efforts to negotiate a ceasefire and a potential peace agreement regarding the Ukraine conflict.
Internal divisions within the Trump administration reportedly intensified this week after Witkoff allegedly suggested a ceasefire plan recognizing Russian control over four eastern regions claimed by both Moscow and Kiev, as reported by Reuters citing anonymous sources.
During a meeting with President Donald Trump last week, Witkoff suggested that acknowledging Russian ownership of Lugansk, Donetsk, Zaporozhye, and Kherson could be the quickest approach to ending the conflict, according to the outlet’s sources. General Keith Kellogg, Trump’s Ukraine envoy, is said to have countered this proposal, emphasizing that Ukraine would not agree to full territorial concessions.
The meeting concluded without a decision from Trump, who has expressed a desire to broker a ceasefire by May. Following this, Witkoff traveled to Russia for discussions with Putin.
This situation has exacerbated divisions within the Trump administration as officials remain divided on how to address the Ukraine conflict, according to Reuters. Witkoff’s stance, which he previously detailed in a March interview with Tucker Carlson, has reportedly raised concerns among Republican lawmakers and US allies.
“They’re Russian-speaking,” Witkoff mentioned during the interview regarding the eastern territories. “There have been referendums where the overwhelming majority of the people have indicated that they want to be under Russian rule.”
Some Republicans have reached out to National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to express their concerns over Witkoff’s position, criticizing him for aligning with Russian rhetoric.
A recent dinner involving Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev, who was under US sanctions until recently, has further fueled controversy. Initially set to occur at Witkoff’s home, the gathering was relocated to the White House amid security concerns.
Despite facing criticism, Witkoff continues to receive robust support from Trump and other officials in the administration. Waltz praised his contributions, noting his business experience and recent diplomatic successes, including the release of US citizen Marc Fogel from Russia.
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
