Putin meets with US envoy Witkoff for talks on Ukraine settlement

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with US special envoy Steve ‌Witkoff on Wednesday, China Media Group (CMG) reported.

Putin conveyed his thanks to US President Donald Trump for his efforts to resolve the Ukraine crisis and said that Russia also was willing to help with the Iran conflict.

Witkoff said he had brought documents outlining ideas for a settlement of the Ukraine issue.

He said a foundation had been laid for a possible ceasefire and expressed hope that Putin would consider the possibility of resuming trilateral talks among Russia, the United States and Ukraine.

Witkoff also highlighted prospects for economic cooperation between Russia and the United States following the end of the Ukraine conflict.

Before traveling to Russia, Witkoff met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and discussed proposals for various ceasefire formats in Oslo, Norway, on Tuesday.

The meeting was also attended by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Finnish President Alexander Stubb.

Zelenskyy said on Tuesday that the Oslo talks had addressed the possibility of a meeting among the leaders of Russia, the United States and Ukraine.

On the same day, Trump urged Zelenskyy to reach a deal with Russia to end the conflict.

"We want Zelenskyy to make a deal," Trump told reporters at the White House.

"If they don't make a deal, it's just gonna get worse." "It's time to make a deal," he said, adding, "Russia would like to get it done." Trump made the appeal after Witkoff met Zelenskyy and European officials in Oslo on Tuesday.

Zelenskyy reportedly said after the Oslo talks that discussions had been constructive.

Trump has repeatedly criticized Zelenskyy in recent days, accusing him of hindering peace efforts.

On Monday, Trump said Zelenskyy should have settled the conflict long ago and suggested replacing him as Ukraine's chief negotiator. (With input from agencies)