Putin-Witkoff meeting ends in Moscow: resuming direct Russia-Ukraine talks was discussed

The propaganda state agency TASS and RIA Novosti reported the information. 

According to Putin's aide, Yuri Ushakov, the meeting between the Kremlin leader and Witkoff lasted three hours and was “constructive and useful.” He also emphasized that the talks allowed “to bring positions closer not only on Ukraine, but also on other international issues.”

At the same time, Ushakov said that the meeting between Witkoff and Putin raised the topic of resuming direct talks between Kyiv and Moscow.

Start of the meeting

At 2:20 p.m. Kyiv time, TASS reported that Putin was meeting with Steve Witkoff in the Kremlin. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the information to the agency. Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov and special representative for investment and economic cooperation with foreign countries Kirill Dmitriev, both previously involved in negotiations with the United States on Ukraine, also joined the meeting.

Earlier, Russian media reported the arrival of the U.S. plane in the Russian capital.

“A special flight from the United States, which had earlier entered Russian airspace from Latvia, landed at Vnukovo airport. This was reported to TASS by a source in air traffic control circles,” the report said. 

Later, the Russian Interfax news agency also reported the arrival of US Special Representative Witkoff, citing an informed source.    

It was also reported that the motorcade left Vnukovo-2 airport in the direction of Moscow.

According to TASS, earlier Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reacted ironically to a CBS journalist's question about whether Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and Steve Witkoff would meet on April 25 and whether a deal with the United States on Ukraine could be expected this week. 

“Do you not believe the words of the President of the United States?” the Russian Foreign Minister said. 

Earlier this morning, The Telegraph reported that U.S. Special Envoy Witkoff would arrive in Moscow today for his fourth meeting with Russian dictator Putin in the last three months. 

• Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that the Kremlin was ready to conclude an agreement with the United States on Ukraine, while noting that some aspects needed to be “finalized.”