US envoy meets Putin in St. Petersburg for Ukraine talks

US envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in St. Petersburg Wednesday for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin focused on the Ukraine conflict, the Kremlin confirmed. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said no agreement is guaranteed but Ukraine is the main topic. The meeting follows Witkoff's Tuesday discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Oslo, which US officials called "constructive" and showing "strong operational alignment" between the US, Ukraine, and Europe. Finnish President Alexander Stubb reported "real progress" but urged patience. Russia's foreign minister has ruled out "any political concessions," while Putin continues demanding Ukraine cede full control of the Donetsk region as a precondition. The talks also cover releasing American Stephen Hubbard, and tensions have risen between Kyiv and Washington over Trump's push for a deal.