David Ignatius
-
Witkoff and Putin discussed Ukrainian and European peace proposals in St. Petersburg
US special envoy Steve Witkoff met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders in Oslo on October 20, then discussed Ukrainian and European peace proposals with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg on October 21. Moscow expressed qualified readiness to resume US-Russia-Ukraine talks, while the Kremlin said the proposals were insufficient. Zelenskyy said Ukraine was ready for talks as soon as possible and linked a ceasefire to freezing the current front lines.