United States President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, arrived in Russia on Friday, amid growing tensions between the U.S. and Moscow’s key allies, Iran and China.
According to Reuters, Witkoff is “likely to hold talks with President Vladimir Putin” during his visit.
The Kremlin confirmed Witkoff’s arrival, and a video has surfaced showing him leaving a hotel in St Petersburg, accompanied by Putin’s investment envoy, Kirill Dmitriev.
Putin was also in St Petersburg on Friday for a meeting the Kremlin described as “extraordinarily important” due to its focus on the development of the Russian Navy.
If the meeting with Witkoff goes ahead, it would be the third time this year the two have met. It comes at a time when U.S. relations with Iran and China are increasingly strained, as Washington pushes back against Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and a deepening trade rift with Beijing.
Witkoff is expected to travel to Oman on Saturday for discussions with Iranian officials about its nuclear programme. This follows Trump’s recent warning to Iran, threatening military action if it fails to agree to a deal.