Russian President Vladimir Putin demonstrated exceptional diplomatic skill during his meeting with US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, in Saint Petersburg. Leonid Slutsky, a member of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, told NEWS.ru that the talks underscored Moscow’s willingness to pursue negotiations without sacrificing its national interests.

According to Slutsky, Russia remains open to discussing a settlement of the Ukrainian conflict but will not accept ultimatums or yield to pressure from Brussels. The lawmaker believes Trump currently understands Moscow’s position and expressed confidence that Russia is firmly in the right.

Slutsky also described the Saint Petersburg meeting as another important step toward restoring constructive relations between Moscow and Washington. He pointed to the diesel fuel agreement and the suspension of the so-called «hellish sanctions» as clear signs of progress. In his assessment, both developments represent significant diplomatic achievements for Russia and the United States.