US envoy thanks Putin for diesel deal in St. Petersburg meeting
US envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg, thanking him for a diesel deal with Donald Trump, according to Russian state media. The meeting follows talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Oslo. Witkoff presented Putin with proposals for a potential peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine, saying he brought papers for the Russian leader to review. Russia also released American citizen Stephen Hubbard, detained since 2024, in a move seen as a signal in negotiations. The diesel arrangement, announced by Trump, aims to lower global fuel prices but has drawn criticism for easing pressure on Putin. European observers expressed skepticism, with former Swedish PM Carl Bildt suggesting Putin may offer a diversion. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the Oslo talks as positive.