Overview

• US special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg on April 11, marking their third meeting to discuss ending the Ukraine war.
• Negotiations remain stalled as Russia pushes for sanctions relief and new conditions, while Ukraine has agreed to an unconditional ceasefire proposal from the US.
• President Trump expressed frustration over the lack of progress, warning of potential secondary sanctions on Russian oil if a ceasefire is not secured by the end of April.
• A recent prisoner exchange involving dual citizen Ksenia Karelina and Russian national Arthur Petrov has been viewed as a gesture of goodwill but has not advanced broader peace efforts.
• Discussions also included efforts to normalize US-Russia relations, such as restoring full embassy functions and exploring joint economic projects.