US envoy Steve Witkoff met Vladimir Putin to revive Ukraine peace talks as Russia released detained American Stephen Hubbard, raising questions about renewed diplomatic efforts.
MOSCOW: US special envoy Steve Witkoff met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday to discuss efforts to revive peace negotiations over the war in Ukraine, while Russia announced the release of American citizen Stephen Hubbard.
According to Reuters, Witkoff urged Putin to consider new proposals aimed at ending the conflict, as Washington renewed diplomatic efforts to bring an end to Europe’s deadliest war since World War II.
The meeting took place in St Petersburg and marked Witkoff’s ninth meeting with the Russian president. The discussions focused on the possibility of resuming trilateral negotiations involving the United States, Russia and Ukraine.
Witkoff presented ideas for resolving the conflict following recent discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders in Oslo. He indicated that the earlier conversations had been productive and expressed hope that Moscow would consider returning to negotiations.
During the meeting, Putin acknowledged US President Donald Trump’s efforts to end the war. However, significant disagreements remain between Moscow and Kyiv over the terms of a potential settlement.
Russia has maintained its demands concerning control of the Donetsk region and Ukraine’s future relationship with NATO, complicating efforts to reach an agreement.
The diplomatic meeting also coincided with the release of Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old American from Michigan who had been detained in Russia for more than four years.
Russian authorities accused Hubbard of fighting as a mercenary for Ukraine. He was sentenced in 2024 to six years and nine months in prison following a closed trial. His family and US-based lawyer had questioned the allegations against him.
Hubbard’s release was presented as a goodwill gesture during Witkoff’s visit. The American envoy thanked Putin for the decision, although the circumstances surrounding the release and its broader diplomatic implications remained unclear.
The discussions come amid continued tensions between Washington, Moscow and Kyiv over the future of the conflict. Despite renewed diplomatic contacts, the opposing sides remain divided over territorial control, security arrangements and the conditions necessary for a lasting peace agreement.
The latest meeting highlights Washington’s efforts to reopen diplomatic channels, but it remains uncertain whether the discussions will lead to formal negotiations or a breakthrough in ending the war.
