Russian President Vladimir Putin raised the prospect of renewed U.S.-Russia economic cooperation in a Wednesday meeting with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff after Ukraine peace talks in Oslo, the Russian presidency said.
The two met at the Constantine Palace in St. Petersburg. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre had outlined Witkoff's planned trip to Russia following the Oslo discussions and said it might create an opening for leaders to meet.
Tuesday's talks brought together Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Støre, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Witkoff. U.S. envoy Jared Kushner joined by video from the United States, Norway's Office of the Prime Minister said. The agenda combined questions about Ukraine's territory and security with plans for prosperity after the war. Støre said the group also discussed sanctions and European security.
Witkoff described the Oslo discussions as productive during his meeting with Putin, according to the Russian presidency. Putin raised the possibility of rebuilding economic cooperation between Russia and the United States.
Zelenskyy proposed a possible three-way meeting of leaders, the Ukrainian presidency said. Støre said Ukraine must have a role in decisions about its future. Zelenskyy said Witkoff would brief Ukraine after speaking with Russian officials.
