Vladimir Putin and Steve Witkoff held extensive discussions.
The Kremlin stated that President Putin’s meeting with Steve Witkoff, a special envoy, on Friday touched on “aspects of the settlement of the Ukraine conflict,” but offered no further elaboration.
Witkoff’s visit to Russia and his meeting with Putin in St. Petersburg, which lasted over four hours, have been met with limited information being released by both Moscow and Washington.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the visit during a press briefing in response to questions about Witkoff’s trip.
Leavitt explained that the purpose of the visit was to facilitate direct communication between the US and the Kremlin, aiming to negotiate a ceasefire and ultimately a peace agreement in the Ukraine conflict.
Reports from Reuters, citing unnamed sources, indicate that the Trump administration is experiencing internal disagreements after Witkoff reportedly suggested a ceasefire plan that would acknowledge Russian control over four eastern regions claimed by both Moscow and Kiev.
Sources revealed that during a White House meeting the previous week, Witkoff proposed to President Trump that recognizing Russian control of Lugansk, Donetsk, Zaporozhye, and Kherson would be the quickest way to end the war. General Keith Kellogg, Trump’s Ukraine envoy, reportedly countered that Ukraine would not agree to territorial concessions.
According to reports, the meeting ended without Trump making a decision. Trump has repeatedly stated his desire to mediate a ceasefire by May. Following the meeting, Witkoff traveled to Russia for discussions with Putin.
Reuters reported that the situation has intensified disagreements within the Trump administration regarding the resolution of the Ukraine conflict. Witkoff’s approach, which he detailed in a March interview with Tucker Carlson, has reportedly caused concern among Republican lawmakers and US allies.
Witkoff stated to Carlson regarding the eastern territories, “They’re Russian-speaking. There have been referendums where the overwhelming majority of the people have indicated that they want to be under Russian rule.”
Reportedly, several Republicans contacted National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to voice their concerns about Witkoff’s position, accusing him of repeating Russian talking points.
A recent dinner with Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev, who was until recently under US sanctions, sparked further controversy. The dinner, originally scheduled to take place at Witkoff’s residence, was moved to the White House due to security concerns.
Despite facing criticism, Witkoff maintains strong support from Trump and some administration officials. Waltz commended Witkoff’s efforts, highlighting his business background and recent diplomatic activities, including his role in securing the release of US citizen Marc Fogel from Russia.