Russian President and US envoy discuss settlement of the conflict in Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin receives US envoy Steve Witkoff to discuss ways to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, with Moscow stressing the necessity of Ukrainian participation in any solution.
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
Moscow, Oct 21 (KUNA) -- The Russian presidency (the Kremlin) announced that President Vladimir Putin will discuss ways to resolve the conflict in Ukraine with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff on Wednesday during a meeting at the Konstantinovsky Palace in Saint Petersburg, with Russian special envoy Kirill Dmitriev also participating. The Russian news agency RIA Novosti quoted Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov as saying that the meeting between Putin and Witkoff had been arranged several days in advance. Ushakov added that the Ukrainian settlement would be on the agenda of the talks, noting that special envoy Kirill Dmitriev would take part in the scheduled meeting between the two sides.
Regarding communications on the Ukrainian crisis, Ushakov stated that no contacts had taken place between Russian representatives and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He affirmed Moscow’s position and its insistence on achieving peace in Ukraine, rather than merely accepting a ceasefire. He clarified that Washington had previously informed Moscow of a health issue affecting Jared Kushner, brother-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump, which led to the cancellation of his visit to Russia to participate in the talks.
In a related development, Ushakov said that the participation of Finnish President Alexander Stubb in discussions on Ukraine could be viewed positively, provided it offers a constructive contribution and does not merely repeat the European stance on the crisis. He stressed the need for a responsible decision from a party in Kyiv to resolve the conflict, considering it essential to advance settlement efforts, while emphasizing that the Ukrainian crisis cannot be resolved without the presence of a party representing the Ukrainian side.
In the context of Russian-Chinese meetings, Ushakov announced that Putin would meet Chinese State Council Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday in Saint Petersburg.
On another note, Ushakov stated that the Kremlin had not yet reviewed the report on the potential consequences of suspending the Eurasian Economic Union agreement concerning Armenia.
These remarks come as Moscow continues to reaffirm its position on the Ukrainian settlement, coinciding with the anticipated talks between Putin and Witkoff, with the Ukraine conflict topping the agenda. (End) Dan / T.M.A
