Russian President Vladimir Putin has begun talks with US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, in St. Petersburg, with discussions covering the conflict in Ukraine, economic cooperation, Iran and a possible meeting between Putin and Trump in China.

Putin asked Witkoff about the results of his recent meeting in Norway and thanked Trump for his attention to efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, according to TASS.

During the meeting, Putin announced the release of American citizen Stephen Hubbard, who had been sentenced in Russia on mercenary charges.

Witkoff thanked the Russian president for releasing the US citizen. Putin said Hubbard was already at Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg.

The US envoy also conveyed Trump’s gratitude for Russia’s decision regarding the diesel fuel deal.

Witkoff brought documents outlining approaches to resolving the conflict in Ukraine and expressed hope that trilateral negotiations involving Russia, the United States and Ukraine could resume.

He described the talks in Oslo as productive, saying they had achieved some progress. Witkoff said that conditions were emerging for reaching agreements on a ceasefire in Ukraine.

Putin said Trump had emphasized the need to end the conflict during their latest phone conversation, particularly to prevent further loss of life. The Russian president said Trump was paying special attention to the humanitarian aspects of the issue.

Putin also asked Witkoff to convey his sincere gratitude to Trump and his wife, Melania, for their efforts to resolve the conflict.

The Russian leader raised the possibility of meeting Trump in China and said he intended to discuss potential arrangements with the US envoy.

Witkoff added that Washington was openly informing Ukraine about US-Russian cooperation in business, expressing hope that the St. Petersburg meeting would bring the sides closer to resolving the conflict.

Putin said Moscow was interested in restoring economic cooperation with Washington, suggesting that relations between the two countries could offer new opportunities once the conflict in Ukraine ends.

The Russian president also said global market prices had fallen by 5-6% following the decision related to the diesel fuel deal.

He added that Russia could increase fertilizer supplies to the US market.

Putin said Russia was preparing several tankers for shipment under the diesel fuel agreement, with the first vessel expected to depart within two to three days.

The tanker will carry 40,000 tonnes of diesel fuel, the Russian president said.

Putin also said he wanted to hear assessments of the situation surrounding Iran and that Russia was ready to help resolve the conflict. He added that Moscow's proposals on Iran's nuclear issue were already well known.

The meeting brings together discussions on diplomatic efforts in Ukraine, potential US-Russian economic cooperation and wider international security issues.