US envoy praises Putin as Russia peace talks proceed without Ukraine at the table
Witkoff described Putin as a humanitarian during Russia talks held without Ukraine, while Zelenskyy said in Oslo that Washington reaffirmed security guarantees.
By BBCorp
What happened
US envoy Steve Witkoff referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin as a "humanitarian" during peace talks with Russia that were held without Ukrainian participation.
Speaking in Oslo on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Washington had reaffirmed its commitment to providing Ukraine with security guarantees.
Why it matters
Diplomacy around the war in Ukraine is a standing input for several markets. Gold tends to draw attention as a perceived store of value whenever geopolitical uncertainty is in focus, and shifts in the tone of negotiations can change how much of that risk premium traders see as justified.
Oil is exposed because Russia is a major crude and refined product exporter, and the path of talks feeds into expectations for sanctions and trade flows. European currencies and equity indices carry regional sensitivity, since the conflict and the credibility of security arrangements sit close to the euro area's economy and energy supply.
What to watch
The articles point to the continuation of the Russia talks and whether Ukraine takes part, further comment from US envoy Steve Witkoff, and follow-up statements from President Zelenskyy and Washington on the security guarantees he described in Oslo.
Markets in play
- GoldExposure: MediumGold is commonly used to express geopolitical risk, so shifts in the tone of Russia-Ukraine diplomacy can draw flows.
- OilExposure: MediumRussia is a major crude exporter, so progress or breakdown in talks feeds into sanctions and supply expectations.
- EURExposure: LowThe euro carries sensitivity to the conflict given the region's proximity, energy links and security exposure.
Gold
EUR