Russian President Putin received US negotiator Witkoff

Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. He received US negotiator Steve Witkoff at the Constantine Palace in St. Petersburg. Putin's Foreign Policy Advisor Yuri Ushakov and Putin's Special Representative Kirill Dmitriev also attended the meeting.

Pointing to Witkoff's meeting with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy in Norway yesterday, Putin said, "We know that you had a meeting in Norway yesterday, and of course I would like to know the results of this meeting. I would like to thank you and President Trump for your interest in resolving the crisis in Ukraine. President Trump attaches great importance to this issue, especially for humanitarian reasons, and in his conversations, including our last phone call, he underlined that this conflict must be ended, taking into account the personnel losses on both sides." "I know, but of course we are talking not only about military losses but also about the suffering of the civilian population. In this context, I would like to express my sincere gratitude not only to President Trump but also to his wife, the First Lady (Melania Trump), for their contribution to the solution of humanitarian problems."

'IRAN CRISIS'

Putin said, "I think it will be important for both sides to discuss issues related to our plans to restore bilateral relations and Russian-US contacts, including in the field of economic cooperation. If you wish, I would be extremely pleased to hear your assessment of the situation in the Middle East and around Iran. You know that we have a special and trusting relationship with Iran, with our partners and friends in Iran, which has existed for decades, and if there is anything we can do to solve this crisis, we will be happy to do it. You are also aware of our proposals in this area. The crises in Ukraine and the Persian Gulf "Issues such as resolution and some other issues may undoubtedly be at the center of our meeting today, including the possibility of a meeting (with Trump). Here are some issues I would like to share with you. Express my sincere gratitude to President Trump for his efforts to resolve the crisis in Ukraine," he said.

RUSSIA RELEASED US CITIZEN STEPHEN HUBBARD

At the beginning of his speech, Witkoff stated that Russia released 75-year-old retired teacher Stephen Hubbard, a US citizen who was convicted on charges of mercenary service. Witkoff thanked Putin on behalf of the USA for this decision. Putin stated that Hubbard, who was released, is currently at Pulkovo Airport.

'THE MEETINGS IN OSLO WERE PRODUCTIVE, WE MADE PROGRESS'

Witkoff said, "I would also like to point out that there are a few more issues to be discussed on our agenda today. I will inform you about the results of the talks held in Oslo. I believe that the talks were productive and I want to say that progress has been made, I will inform you about this as well. I hope that we have indeed prepared the ground for a successful cessation of hostilities in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. I hope that today we will have the opportunity to discuss the next steps to be taken in resolving the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. I also consider the resumption of trilateral talks with the participation of Ukraine, Russia and the USA." "I hope you will evaluate it, in these talks we can discuss the next steps to be taken to reach a solution. These talks may also include representatives of technical groups consisting of experts who can discuss these issues in detail. Even if we cannot reach a final answer or solution on this issue today, I believe that it would be a good idea for us to discuss it and for you to consider such a proposal," he said. "I believe that the discussions currently ongoing between the two countries in terms of the possibility of trade agreements and economic development are a very good indicator of the opportunities that can open for economic cooperation between the two countries," Witkoff said.

'DIESEL FUEL THANKS'

Witkoff said, "Mr. President, I would also like to thank you for your decision to lift the sanctions on diesel fuel exports. Thanks to this, diesel fuel can now be sold not only in the USA but also in global markets. This is a really good thing at a time when the whole world is going through a period of economic shock. Our President is also extremely grateful to you for this decision, because this decision will improve the lives and working conditions of our farmers and truck drivers who use diesel fuel in their work. This is another example of what we can achieve by working together. Thank you."

NEW PEACE OFFER TO RUSSIA

Witkoff also said, "We have brought various documents from our side that outline approaches to reaching a peaceful solution to the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Mr. President, I ask you to review these documents. I would also like to put Mr. Kushner on the phone shortly, who wants to share a few of his ideas with you."

'IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DIESEL AGREEMENT, THE FIRST TANKER WILL SET OUT WITHIN 2-3 DAYS'