Russia–US deal in plain sight of the West: Major bargaining in St Petersburg

Russian President Vladimir Putin has met with US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, at the Konstantin Palace in St Petersburg.

TodayPress TV reports, citing Vedomosti, that the talks covered the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine, the situation surrounding Iran, the resumption of economic cooperation between Russia and the United States, and energy supplies.

Witkoff said he had brought documents outlining possible ways to resolve the conflict in Ukraine to the meeting. Putin thanked US President Donald Trump for his efforts to end the conflict and prevent further loss of life.

The Russian leader also proposed discussing the possibility of a meeting with Trump in China.

Addressing the crisis surrounding Iran, Putin said Moscow was ready to help resolve the situation. Russia had previously stated that it supported resolving disagreements between Iran and the United States through diplomacy.

Economic ties were also a key focus of the meeting. Putin said Russia was interested in restoring economic cooperation with the United States. Witkoff noted that the two sides had discussed opportunities to expand business ties.

In addition, Witkoff thanked Putin on Trump’s behalf for the decision concerning Russian diesel fuel supplies. According to the Russian president, diesel prices on the global market fell by 5–6% following the decision. The report states that Moscow and Washington agreed on October 9 to supply more than 300,000 tonnes of Russian diesel fuel. An additional 500,000 tonnes are planned for export in November, followed by a further one million tonnes.

Putin also said Russia was ready to supply large quantities of fertiliser to the US market.

The release of US citizen Stephen Hubbard, who had been imprisoned in Russia after being convicted of mercenary activity, was also discussed. Putin said Hubbard was already at Pulkovo Airport in St Petersburg. Witkoff thanked the Russian side for the decision.

According to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Witkoff will return to Oslo after meeting Putin to continue consultations on resolving the conflict in Ukraine.

Jala Rovshan