Witkoff Meets Putin in St. Petersburg After Oslo Talks Yield Constructive but Conditional Progress

Key points

• Witkoff arrived in St. Petersburg on Wednesday to meet Putin, following Tuesday's Oslo talks with Zelenskyy, Norway's PM, and Finland's President.
• Zelenskyy described the Oslo discussions as 'constructive' but emphasized that any peace deal must include Ukraine at the negotiating table.
• Russia released Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old American detained for allegedly fighting in Ukraine, during Witkoff's visit.
• The Kremlin stated it would analyze US proposals but warned that 'much depends on Ukraine' making necessary decisions.
• Zelenskyy confirmed that US intelligence sharing on Russian strikes has resumed, though tensions remain over military support and Starlink restrictions.

Background

This diplomatic push follows a period of heightened US-Ukraine tensions, including a brief suspension of intelligence sharing and disputes over Patriot interceptors. Previous attempts at peace talks were disrupted by Russian strikes on Kyiv airports in September, and Trump has recently pressured Zelenskyy to accept a deal, even suggesting Ukraine find a new negotiator if it refuses.

How outlets are covering it

Ukrainska Pravda and CNBC highlight the constructive nature of the Oslo talks and the release of Stephen Hubbard as a positive step. However, The Guardian notes the Kremlin's conditional stance, emphasizing that Russia will only proceed if Ukraine makes concessions. Meanwhile, CNBC points out the underlying tensions, with Zelenskyy stressing that any agreement must include Kyiv, while Trump has accused Zelenskyy of not wanting peace. The sources also differ in emphasis: some focus on the peace framework, while others highlight the ongoing disputes over military support and intelligence sharing.

Why it matters

The outcome of Witkoff's meeting with Putin could determine whether a peace framework is viable or if the conflict will continue. The release of Hubbard and the resumption of intelligence sharing are significant, but the conditional nature of the talks and the underlying tensions between the US and Ukraine suggest that a lasting peace remains uncertain.

What to watch

The next steps will depend on the outcome of Witkoff's meeting with Putin and whether Russia is willing to engage in serious negotiations. If the talks fail, the conflict may continue, and the US may need to reconsider its approach to supporting Ukraine. The resumption of intelligence sharing and the release of Hubbard are positive signs, but the underlying tensions and conditional nature of the talks suggest that a lasting peace remains uncertain.