Russian President Vladimir Putin said he will meet with US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on January 22. The meeting aims to find a solution to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine that has lasted for nearly 4 years.
Speaking again quoted by Russian news agencies at a meeting of the Russian Security Council, Mr. Putin said that he would discuss with US representatives the possibility of using blocked Russian assets, related to recovery work in areas affected by conflict. According to him, this content is being discussed with representatives of the US administration.
Mr. Putin also said that the issue of using the above assets will be discussed by him with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who is scheduled to meet with the Russian leader on the same day. This reflects Russia's linking financial discussions with broader diplomatic initiatives.
In the same statement, Mr. Putin said that the Russian Foreign Ministry has been directed to study US President Donald Trump's invitation to join the Peace Council proposed by Mr. Trump. Russia will respond at the appropriate time. According to Mr. Putin, this proposal is mainly seen as part of efforts to handle the peace process in the Middle East.
Even without a decision on joining the Peace Council, Mr. Putin said Russia is ready to provide 1 billion USD, taken from Russian assets frozen in the US - in accordance with Mr. Trump's request for long-term membership.
