Writer Thomas I by AfterPost | 21 October 26
Yes, it's true. US special envoy Steve Witkoff landed in St. Petersburg on Oct 21, 2026 with a new peace plan fresh from Oslo, met at Pulkovo-3 airport by Putin's investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev before heading to Constantine Palace for talks with Vladimir Putin. The trip comes a day after constructive talks in Oslo with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders. Witkoff should be collecting air miles - this is his third Russia visit in six weeks.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed: meeting set for first half of day at Konstantin Palace. Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, joining virtually due to illness.
What happened in Oslo:
On Oct 20, Witkoff met Zelensky, Norway PM Jonas Gahr Store, Finland President Alexander Stubb, plus reps from UK, France, Germany, Poland, EU and NATO. Topics:
- Article 5-like security guarantees for Ukraine that Moscow must accept- Post-war economic plan and reconstruction- European security architecture- Energy ceasefire and Patriot interceptor supplies
US official called it "very productive" with "significant progress" and "strong operational alignment." Zelensky said Ukraine presented new ideas and thanked US for resuming early warnings of Russian missile attacks.
Rubio: meeting was positive, nothing unexpected. Witkoff now armed with those ideas.
Why Constantine Palace:
Not Kremlin. Putin uses Strelna's Constantine Palace for sensitive US talks - more informal, away from Moscow press. Site of previous Witkoff-Putin meetings in 2026. Dmitriev's presence signals economic track: lifting diesel sanctions, unfreezing assets, post-war investment deals Trump reportedly floated.
What's in the plan:
Ukraine and partners worked out proposals aiming for trilateral meeting: Trump, Putin, Zelensky. Norwegian PM said this could "possibly pave the way for a meeting at leaders' level." Finnish President: "peace process is back on track."
Zelensky insists no decision on Ukraine without Ukraine. Putin wants meeting with Trump in China next month, without Kyiv, per reports.
White House hope: Putin shows more flexibility after Trump lifted sanctions on Russian diesel sales - a move welcomed by Moscow.
Why this matters now:
Ties Kyiv-Washington strained over alleged withholding of Patriot missiles funded by allies and Starlink issues for drones. Witkoff is the bridge. Oslo to Petersburg in 12 hours - classic shuttle diplomacy.
If Dmitriev met him at airport, deal has economic sweetener. If Kushner is virtual, real decisions still with Witkoff-Putin in room.
FAQ
Did Witkoff really go to St. Petersburg?
Yes. Confirmed Oct 21, 2026 by Kremlin, Reuters, Interfax. Landed from Oslo, met by Kirill Dmitriev at Pulkovo-3, heading to Constantine Palace.What is the new peace plan from Oslo?
Proposals from Ukraine and European partners: security guarantees for Ukraine, post-war economic blueprint, energy ceasefire, framework for trilateral Trump-Putin-Zelensky talks. Details not public yet.Who is Kirill Dmitriev?
Putin's special envoy for investment and economic cooperation, head of RDIF sovereign fund. Handles US-Russia economic track.Why Constantine Palace and not Kremlin?
Putin's residence in Strelna, used for discreet US negotiations. Less formal than Kremlin, easier security.Is Jared Kushner in Russia?
No, joining virtually due to illness per Ushakov. He joined Oslo talks remotely too, though some reports said he was in Oslo.Will this end the war?
Unclear. Oslo made progress, but Putin has long refused direct Zelensky meeting. Outcome of Petersburg talks will determine if trilateral happens.Also read this: https://afterpostint.com/post/h2-strong-official-all-time-ballon-d-or-nominees-revealed-strong-h2