Putin, Witkoff discussed resuming direct Russia-Ukraine talks: Kremlin
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The Kremlin says Putin and Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff discussed resuming Russia-Ukraine talks as part of a broader US "shuttle diplomacy".
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In this pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia's President Vladimir Putin (R) greets US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff (L) prior to their talks in Moscow on April 25, 2025 (POOL/AFP)
The potential revival of direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine was a key topic during a meeting on Friday between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, according to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov.
Earlier, Putin hosted Witkoff at the Kremlin. The meeting, which lasted three hours, was also attended by Ushakov and Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund and Russia’s special presidential envoy for international economic cooperation.
"As for the Ukrainian crisis, in particular, the possibility of resuming direct negotiations between representatives of the Russian Federation and Ukraine was discussed," Ushakov said, noting that the meeting lasted three hours.
He described the meeting as "constructive and useful," noting that it coincided with the symbolic 80th anniversary of the historic Elbe River meeting between US and Soviet forces during World War II.
Ushakov also highlighted that this marks Witkoff’s fourth visit to Moscow as part of Washington’s initiative regarding ending the war in Ukraine.
Shortly after the meeting, flight tracking service Flightradar24 reported that a Bombardier Global 7500, matching the aircraft Witkoff arrived in, departed Moscow’s Vnukovo International Airport at 6:10 pm local time (15:10 GMT).
Witkoff is expected to participate in the upcoming round of indirect US-Iran nuclear talks in Muscat, Oman, scheduled for Saturday.
Kremlin: Russian-US dialogue to continue actively
Ushakov emphasized that "a productive" dialogue between Russia and the US will continue “in the most active mode,” in line with agreements between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump.
"This conversation [between Putin and Witkoff] made it possible to further bring the positions of Russia and the United States closer not only on Ukraine, but also on a number of other international issues," he indicated.
Kremlin labels Witkoff’s trip ‘shuttle diplomacy’
On his part, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov characterized Witkoff’s latest visit, his second in two weeks, as part of a broader effort at "shuttle diplomacy" by Washington.
"This is shuttle diplomacy. These are the mediation services provided by the United States," Peskov told Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin.
He revealed that Witkoff delivered a message from Trump and would return to Washington carrying a response from Putin.
Despite the ongoing diplomatic efforts, Peskov stressed that Russia must remain vigilant.
No joint Elbe anniversary statement from Putin and Trump
When asked about a possible joint statement marking the 80th anniversary of the Elbe River meeting between Soviet and American forces, Peskov confirmed there would be none.
The historic encounter took place on April 25, 1945, near Torgau, Germany, and symbolized the nearing end of World War II in Europe.
Read more: Reuters: US peace proposals to end Russia-Ukraine war unveiled
