In a bid to defuse tensions and chart a new path for U.S.-Russia relations, Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff on Wednesday for high-stakes talks in the Kremlin.
The meeting, hailed by Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov as "very useful and constructive," zeroed in on two critical areas: the ongoing Ukrainian crisis and the prospects for strategic cooperation between the United States and Russia.
This marks the envoy's third trip to Russia this year, following previous talks with Putin in St. Petersburg on April 11 and Moscow on April 25. Each meeting has layered new dimensions onto the complex dialogue, signaling a potential shift after years of strained ties.
While Ushakov has kept the finer points under wraps until President Trump receives a full briefing, the conversations are expected to ripple across diplomatic circles in the coming days, as both sides weigh the benefits of thawed relations against ongoing challenges.
As global attention remains fixed on the conflict in Ukraine and its impact on security, energy markets and international norms, this latest encounter offers a glimpse into whether the two powers can carve out shared interests beyond confrontation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
