Brief
Kremlin calls new peace proposals ‘substantially empty’ after Witkoff‑Putin talks
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said the proposals lacked substance, while US officials offered mixed reactions.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The Kremlin criticised fresh Ukrainian and European peace proposals as lacking “substance” after US envoy Steve Witkoff met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg on Wednesday, the Guardian reported.
Witkoff arrived in Russia following a day of talks in Oslo with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders, aimed at easing tensions between Kyiv and former US President Donald Trump. During the St Petersburg meeting, Witkoff briefed Putin on “some new aspects in the approaches of the Europeans and Kyiv,” according to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, who added that “there wasn’t really much substance in them.”
Ushakov said Russia was “in principle, ready to resume” the trilateral talks with the United States and Ukraine in mid‑November, after the US mid‑term elections, and that the Kremlin wanted any renewed dialogue to focus on post‑war security arrangements.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy welcomed the prospect of resuming talks as soon as possible, while Witkoff described his discussion with Putin as “constructive” but noted that “there is still important work left to do.” He also said technical‑level discussions would continue between the three parties.
Domestically, Witkoff faced sharp criticism after describing Putin as a “humanitarian” in a Russian‑state video that coincided with the release of US citizen Stephen Hubbard from a Russian prison. Republican Senator Thom Tillis posted on X, “WTF, Steve? Look up the definition of ‘humanitarian’.” Trump brushed off the comment, saying he would not comment further, and Vice‑President JD Vance said he agreed with Witkoff’s positive remark about Putin.
Hubbard, a 74‑year‑old former teacher, had been detained for more than four years on charges of fighting as a mercenary for Ukraine. Trump claimed on social media that his request to Putin led to Hubbard’s release without any prisoner swap.
Later on Thursday, missiles struck Kyiv in the early hours, a Reuters witness reported, adding another layer of tension to the fragile diplomatic efforts.
Key facts
- US envoy Steve Witkoff met Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg on Oct 22, 2026. (theguardian.com)
- Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said the new Ukrainian and European peace proposals lacked substance. (theguardian.com)
- Ushakov indicated Russia was ready to resume trilateral talks in mid‑November after the US midterm elections. (theguardian.com)
- Steve Witkoff described the meeting as constructive but said important work remains. (theguardian.com)
- US citizen Stephen Hubbard was released from Russian custody during the meeting, prompting criticism of Witkoff’s “humanitarian” comment. (theguardian.com)
Sources
- [1] theguardian.com — originally reported as “Ukraine war briefing: New peace proposals lack ‘substance’, says Kremlin after Witkoff-Putin meeting in Russia”
