Overview

• US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg on April 11, 2025, continuing negotiations for a Ukraine ceasefire.
• The meeting lasted four and a half hours, with discussions also addressing broader strategic issues beyond the immediate ceasefire goal.
• President Donald Trump has increased pressure on Russia, warning of additional sanctions if an agreement is not reached by the end of the month.
• Witkoff's visit follows earlier trips in February and March, highlighting sustained US-Russia diplomatic engagement on the Ukraine conflict.
• The Kremlin has tempered expectations, stating that a diplomatic breakthrough is unlikely at this stage of the talks.