The most revealing statement of the day, however, came from Vladimir Putin’s foreign policy aide, Yuri Ushakov, who participated in the St. Petersburg talks.
Ushakov said that U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff had informed President Putin about the discussions in Oslo and, in Witkoff’s view, “new approaches from the Europeans and Kyiv.”
The Kremlin adviser appeared unimpressed by what was discussed.
“In terms of resolving the Ukraine crisis, there was little useful in what was offered,” Ushakov said.
Russian state television later pressed him on prospects for peace.
“I do not know how close we are getting,” Ushakov said, “but things are moving in that direction.”
The remarks remained vague.
President Putin does not appear to feel pressured at present to end the war.
He is aware that Ukraine’s air defenses are under severe strain.
He may view the approaching winter as an opportunity to use the cold weather as a lever against Ukraine.
He is also mindful that the U.S. president in the White House seeks a larger, more advantageous relationship with Moscow.
Also Read
- Meta Faces $25 Billion Privacy Judgment in New Mexico Court Ruling
- Thousands Take to Athens Streets Demanding Increased Education Funding and Affordable Housing
- BlackRock’s Rick Rieder Identifies Historic Yield Opportunity in High-Grade Corporate Bonds
- Colombia Nets 7.6 Tons of Cocaine in Landmark Anti-Drug Operation