Putin releases US prisoner but rejects Trump's energy ceasefire in St. Petersburg talks
President Donald Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg on Wednesday, where Russia released American citizen Stephen Hubbard but rejected Trump's proposal for an energy ceasefire. The meeting followed urgent talks in Oslo and covered the Ukraine war, with Putin thanking Trump for his efforts and Witkoff presenting documents outlining potential paths forward. Russia also signaled interest in resuming economic ties, including fertilizer exports to the US and a planned diesel shipment of 40,000 tons. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated Russia needs "peace, not a ceasefire," dismissing the energy truce demand. Hubbard, a retired teacher imprisoned for four years, was freed without US concessions, according to Trump. Witkoff is scheduled to return to Oslo after the three-hour meeting.