Putin tells U.S. envoy Witkoff Russia is ready to help mediate the Iran war and says Trump wants Ukraine conflict ended over human losses

Russian President Vladimir Putin told U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff on Wednesday that Moscow was prepared to help resolve the war involving Iran and said President Donald Trump had repeatedly emphasized the need to end the Ukraine conflict because of military and civilian losses.

Putin made the remarks during talks with Witkoff in St. Petersburg on October 21, after the U.S. envoy traveled from Oslo following meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders.

“We have a special, trust-based relationship with our partners in Iran,” Putin said. “If we can contribute to the resolution of the war there, we would be willing to do so.”

On Ukraine, Putin said Trump had stressed during their conversations, including their latest phone call, that the conflict needed to end above all because of the deaths of military personnel and the suffering of civilians. He also asked Witkoff to convey thanks to Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for their involvement in humanitarian issues.

Witkoff thanked Putin for Russia’s decision to ease restrictions on diesel exports, calling it an example of U.S.-Russian cooperation. Russia said the first tanker carrying 40,000 metric tons of diesel for the United States would depart within days, with additional shipments expected to follow.

Putin said announcements by both sides on diesel supplies had helped push global prices lower and said Moscow was preparing multiple tankers, subject to completion of financial arrangements.

The St. Petersburg meeting was the latest round of U.S.-Russian talks over Ukraine and broader bilateral issues, and followed what Washington described as constructive discussions with Zelensky in Oslo.