Putin meets US envoy for 3.5 hours

Vladimir Putin and US Envoy Steve Witkoff met in Moscow; the meeting lasted 3.5 hours.

According to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, the parties agreed to hold trilateral talks today in Abu Dhabi between Russia, the US, and Ukraine.

Highlights from Ushakov’s statements:

• Moscow and Washington stated that resolving the conflict is impossible without addressing territorial issues.
• The Russian delegation in Abu Dhabi will be led by Igor Kostyukov, head of the Intelligence Special Service of Russia’s Armed Forces, who has received direct instructions from the president.
• In addition to the trilateral working group on Ukraine, a bilateral meeting with the US on economic matters is planned in the UAE.
• The Board of Peace initiative regarding the Gaza Strip was discussed. Moscow confirmed its willingness to allocate $1 billion from its frozen assets to the organization.
• Putin stated that Russia is sincerely interested in resolving the Ukrainian crisis through political and diplomatic means. However, until that is achieved, Russia will continue pursuing the objectives of its special military operation on the battlefield.
• Russia will continue addressing the situation on the battlefield until a settlement is reached.
• The Kremlin described the meeting as beneficial for both Russia and the United States.