Putin Meets Trump Envoy Witkoff in St Petersburg, Offers Help on Iran Crisis

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By TRH World Desk

Russian President discusses Ukraine peace efforts, US-Russia ties and possible cooperation on diesel and fertiliser supplies during meeting with US President Donald Trump’s special envoy.

New Delhi, October 21, 2026 — Russian President Vladimir Putin met US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steven Witkoff, in St Petersburg on Wednesday, discussing efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict, the restoration of bilateral relations and the situation in the Middle East, including Iran.

According to a statement published by Russia’s Foreign Ministry on its Telegram channel, Putin thanked Witkoff and Trump for their attention to resolving the Ukraine crisis, highlighting the humanitarian consequences of the conflict and casualties among military personnel on both sides.

Putin said Trump had repeatedly stressed the need to end the conflict, including during their most recent telephone conversation. He also asked Witkoff to convey his gratitude to Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for their contributions to addressing humanitarian issues.

The Russian president said Moscow and Washington could discuss plans to restore bilateral relations and contacts, including economic cooperation.

Putin also sought Witkoff’s assessment of developments in the Middle East and around Iran, describing Russia’s relationship with Tehran as a special relationship of trust built over decades.

“If we can do anything at all to help resolve this crisis, we will gladly do so,” Putin said, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry’s account.

He added that the two sides could discuss these issues and other matters during their talks, including the possibility of a meeting in China. Putin said he had some thoughts on the matter that he wished to share with Witkoff.

The Russian president also expressed interest in the outcome of Witkoff’s meeting in Norway on Tuesday.

The discussions also covered economic cooperation, including diesel supplies to the United States.

Putin said global diesel prices fell by 5–6 per cent immediately after both sides announced that supplies would be delivered to the US market.

“We are preparing shipments right now, with several tankers being readied at once,” Putin said.

According to the Russian president, the first tanker, carrying 40,000 tonnes of diesel, is expected to depart within two or three days, with additional shipments to follow.

He said financial arrangements would be crucial to ensuring that the deliveries proceed smoothly.

Putin also indicated that Russia could supply substantial quantities of fertilisers to the US market, referring to Trump’s interest in the issue during their telephone conversations.

The meeting brought Ukraine, Iran and the restoration of Russian-American contacts into the same diplomatic discussion, alongside potential cooperation in energy and agricultural inputs.