US Envoy Meets Putin Amid Fresh Push for Ukraine Peace Talks

US special envoy Steve Witkoff held direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg, following meetings with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and European leaders in Oslo. The diplomatic shuttle reflects Washington's renewed effort to broker an end to the war in Ukraine, with Witkoff thanking Putin for a diesel supply agreement.

Byte's take

Washington's back at the diplomatic table—but EU capitals are right to stay skeptical of US-led talks that exclude them.