Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s special envoy, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg on Friday. They discussed ways to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Earlier that day, Trump had voiced his frustration over the war, highlighting the heavy toll it has taken.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump urged Russia to take action, saying, “Too many people are DYING, thousands a week, in a terrible and senseless war.” He has also indicated that he would consider imposing sanctions on countries that continue to buy Russian oil if they hinder peace talks.
This meeting marked the third time this year that Witkoff has met with Putin. He has become a key figure in negotiations not only for the Russia-Ukraine situation but also for the Israel-Hamas conflict and Iran’s nuclear program. Following the talks with Putin, Witkoff is set to travel to Oman for discussions with Iranian officials.
The backdrop for these discussions is a period of heightened geopolitical tension. The U.S. is currently engaged in a trade conflict with China, and Trump has threatened military action against Iran if a deal to restrict its nuclear capabilities isn’t reached. Iran, which is allied with both Russia and China, has shown some willingness to discuss its military nuclear program.
As these diplomatic efforts unfold, the world watches closely, hoping for a resolution to these pressing international issues.