Russia, US discuss possible direct talks with Ukraine
(VOVWORLD) - Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov said Friday that the recent meeting between President Vladimir Putin and US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff occurred in a constructive atmosphere and helped narrow the differences between the two countries.
 Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomes US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff at the Kremlin, April 25, 2025. (Photo: SPUTNIK) |
The two sides also discussed the possibility of direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
Ushakov added that “This conversation allowed Russia and the United States to further bring their positions closer together, not only on Ukraine but also on a number of other international issues.”
Witkoff has emerged as the key US interlocutor with President Putin as President Trump pushes for a deal to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Before his latest trip to Moscow, Witkoff had met with Putin three times.
President Trump announced on Friday that he did not rule out the possibility of meeting with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky during his visit to Italy to attend the funeral of Pope Francis.