Putin and Trump envoy Witkoff open Ukraine talks in St. Petersburg

Russian President Vladimir Putin and US envoy Steve Witkoff began talks Wednesday in St. Petersburg on settling the Ukraine conflict, following Witkoff's meetings with President Zelensky the previous day. Witkoff said he brought "ideas" for a peace agreement, presenting documents to Putin. Russia announced the release of American Stephen Hubbard, convicted of mercenary activity, and the imminent departure of the first diesel tanker to the US, signaling economic cooperation. The talks follow tensions between Washington and Kyiv, though Ukraine welcomed restored intelligence sharing. Fighting continues on the front, with Russia striking Ukrainian energy infrastructure overnight, killing at least four people.