Witkoff Meets Putin in Russia for Ceasefire Talks

Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg to push for a ceasefire in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. This marks Witkoff's third meeting with Putin, reflecting the Trump administration's intensified diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, despite Russia's reluctance to commit to a full ceasefire. The meeting follows Donald Trump's social media plea urging Russia to expedite peace efforts, highlighting his frustration with the slow progress. Concurrently, Ukraine's allies, including the UK and Germany, pledged €21 billion in military aid to Kyiv. Trump's approach includes potential sanctions if a ceasefire isn't achieved, with ongoing diplomatic attempts marked by a recent prisoner exchange and broader talks in Istanbul. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the meeting, signaling continued dialogue but tempering expectations of a breakthrough.