Фото: РИА Новости
Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed that US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff discuss a possible meeting with Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in China. He also asked about the outcome of Witkoff’s talks with the Ukrainian side in Oslo and his assessment of the situation in Iran.
“We know that you had a meeting in Norway yesterday, and, of course, I would be interested to hear about the results of that meeting,” Putin said.
Putin also thanked Witkoff and Trump for their attention to resolving the Russian-Ukrainian war.
“I know that President Trump is paying particular attention to this, primarily for humanitarian reasons, and in his conversations, including the most recent telephone call, he emphasised the need to end this conflict, with particular regard to the personnel losses on both sides.
But, of course, this is not only about military casualties, but also about the suffering of the civilian population. In this regard, I would like to ask you to convey my most sincere words of gratitude not only to the president but also to his wife, the first lady, for her contribution to resolving humanitarian issues,” he said.
Putin proposed discussing plans to restore Russian-US contacts and economic cooperation. He also asked Witkoff for his assessment of Iran.
“If you consider it possible, I would, of course, be extremely interested to hear your assessment of the situation in the Middle East and around Iran. You know that we have special, trusting relations with Iran and our partners and friends there, because these relations have developed over decades. If there is anything we can do to help resolve this crisis, we will be happy to do so. You are also well aware of our proposals in this area.
These and other issues could certainly be at the centre of our discussions today, including a possible meeting in the People’s Republic of China. I also have some thoughts on this that I would like to share with you,” Putin said, once again thanking Trump for his efforts to resolve the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
During the meeting, the release of US citizen Stephen Hubbard was also announced. Witkoff expressed gratitude for the decision.
“I would also like to say that we have several issues on today’s agenda. I will brief you on the results of the talks held in Oslo. I believe the talks were productive, and I would like to say that progress has been made. I will brief you on that. I hope that we have indeed laid the necessary groundwork to successfully bring about a ceasefire in this Ukrainian-Russian conflict,” Witkoff said, according to the Russian president’s press service.
He expressed hope that they would be able to discuss the next steps that day and that Putin would consider resuming trilateral meetings involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States. According to Witkoff, such meetings could also be held at the level of technical experts.
“As for the possibility of concluding business deals and developing economic ties between our two countries, I believe the discussions already under way are a very good indication of the opportunities that could open up for economic and business cooperation between our two countries.
Mr Dmitriev, you are a great person, and we work very well together. Our Treasury Department is now working with you independently on these deals. We are being open about this with the Ukrainian side so that they understand the opportunities available to them once this conflict ends,” Witkoff said.
He thanked Putin for the diesel deal and conveyed Trump’s gratitude as well.
“This is another example of what we can achieve by working together,” Trump’s envoy said.
Witkoff said he had brought documents outlining an approach to a peaceful settlement and asked Putin to review them later. Jared Kushner was also expected to join the meeting and present his views.
Putin, in turn, noted that prices had fallen by 5-6% following the announcement of the diesel deal. He announced that tankers would be dispatched in the coming days.