Witkoff’s St. Petersburg Visit Secures Hubbard’s Release and Revives Peace Talks

Key points

• Stephen Hubbard, 74, was released after four years in Russian custody; Trump claimed the release was due to his direct appeal, not a prisoner swap.
• Witkoff called Putin a 'humanitarian' during the meeting, drawing sharp criticism from Republicans and Democrats alike, including Senators Thom Tillis and Mark Kelly.
• Putin agreed to resume US-mediated peace talks, with a potential trilateral meeting in Abu Dhabi as early as next month.
• A potential trilateral meeting between Trump, Putin, and Xi Jinping was discussed, possibly on the sidelines of the APEC summit in China.
• Critics argue Trump’s flattery of Putin risks rewarding aggression and undermining Ukraine’s position in the conflict.

Background

This meeting follows Witkoff’s earlier trip to Moscow in September and his recent Oslo talks with Ukrainian officials. The Trump administration has intensified efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, which began in February 2022, while facing growing concerns in Kyiv about US support. Previous attempts, including a summit in Alaska, failed to yield a ceasefire.

How outlets are covering it

Al Jazeera and NBC News report the release of Hubbard and the resumption of peace talks as key outcomes, while The Atlantic satirizes Witkoff’s praise of Putin as a 'humanitarian.' NBC News highlights expert views that Trump’s flattery is a strategic tool to engage Putin, whereas critics like Senator Tillis and Freedom House condemn the characterization as absurd given Russia’s authoritarianism and war crimes. Al Jazeera notes Witkoff’s criticism from bipartisan lawmakers, while NBC emphasizes Trump’s defense of Witkoff’s remarks as a tactical move.

Why it matters

The release of Hubbard and the revival of peace talks signal a shift in US-Russia diplomacy, but the controversy over Witkoff’s remarks underscores deep divisions in how the US approaches Russia. The potential trilateral meetings with Putin and Xi could reshape global power dynamics, while critics warn that rewarding aggression may embolden further conflicts.

What to watch

Trilateral peace talks may begin in Abu Dhabi next month, and a potential meeting between Trump, Putin, and Xi Jinping could occur at the APEC summit in China. The outcome of these talks will determine whether the US can secure a peace deal or if Russia continues to leverage battlefield advantages.