By Newsmax Wires

President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff will offer Russian President Vladimir Putin direct talks with Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an effort to secure a ceasefire, Politico reported Tuesday.

Witkoff is expected to travel to St. Petersburg, Russia, on Wednesday following talks in Oslo with Zelenskyy and European leaders, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said, potentially paving the way for a meeting among the three leaders.

The Kremlin said Tuesday it hoped to arrange a meeting between Putin and Witkoff soon to discuss the peace process and the latest proposals from Ukraine and European governments.

The proposed summit comes as Trump’s relationship with Zelenskyy has deteriorated, with the president increasingly criticizing Ukraine’s leader while pursuing closer engagement with Moscow.

On Monday, Trump said Russia had "been fine on Ukraine" and accused Zelenskyy of failing to help advance peace efforts.

"I think it’s time for somebody else to negotiate on behalf of Ukraine," Trump told reporters, renewing his call for a change in Kyiv’s negotiating representation.

Earlier this month, Trump also suggested Ukraine needed a new leader who could reach a deal, further straining relations with Zelenskyy.

Tensions have grown as Trump has eased some economic pressure on Russia, including waiving sanctions on Russian diesel imports in an effort to lower U.S. fuel prices.

Trump also issued a waiver affecting tougher sanctions measures that were due to take effect, drawing concern from Kyiv and European allies that Moscow could receive economic relief while its invasion continues.

The dispute extends to military support, with Ukraine reporting delays in deliveries of Patriot air-defense missiles funded by European allies and restrictions affecting Starshield satellite communications used to guide Ukrainian drones.

Zelenskyy discussed the missile deliveries, early warnings of Russian attacks and the restoration of satellite services with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Rubio denied that the administration had deliberately directed officials to harm Ukraine, while acknowledging that military assistance decisions must account for U.S. requirements and commitments to NATO allies.

Zelenskyy said Tuesday that U.S. early-warning intelligence for Russian missile attacks was working again following discussions with American officials.

European leaders have sought to maintain a role in the peace process, emphasizing that Ukraine must participate in decisions affecting its territory and future security.

Meanwhile, Russia has intensified attacks on Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure, despite Trump’s call for both sides to refrain from striking each other’s energy facilities.

Reuters reported Tuesday that Russian strikes hit electricity infrastructure across seven Ukrainian regions overnight, causing power outages, with further attacks reported in the western Lviv region and Kyiv.

Ukrainian officials also reported civilian deaths in multiple attacks, including a drone strike near a highway south of Kyiv that killed three people.

The Russian Defense Ministry said its forces had struck three cargo vessels in Ukraine’s port of Reni and two other vessels heading toward Odesa.

Witkoff’s planned discussions with Putin will test whether the latest diplomatic effort can move the sides toward a ceasefire as Russia continues its attacks and disagreements remain over territory and Ukraine’s future security.