Key facts
- U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in St. Petersburg on October 21.
- Witkoff met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European allies in Oslo on October 20.
- The envoy's visit aims to facilitate potential leader-level peace talks.
- Witkoff is expected to discuss the release of American citizen Stephen Hubbard.
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in St. Petersburg on October 21 to engage in peace talks with Russia. The visit follows meetings Witkoff held with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European allies in Oslo on October 20, where proposals for a potential leaders' summit were discussed. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store indicated that these discussions could pave the way for a meeting at the highest level. Zelensky expressed his hope that Witkoff would carry Ukraine and Europe's peace proposals to Russia. However, U.S. President Donald Trump questioned the need for leaders to meet in person, suggesting alternative methods. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly shown a preference for meeting Trump in China next month to negotiate a peace deal without Ukraine's direct involvement. Witkoff is also anticipated to discuss the possible release of Stephen Hubbard, a 72-year-old American citizen detained by Russian forces in 2022.