OREANDA-NEWS  The talks between US Special Envoy Steve Wickoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin have become another step towards a peaceful settlement in Ukraine, White House spokeswoman Caroline Levitt said, Reuters reports.

"This is another step in the negotiation process, which is aimed at a cease—fire and a final peace deal between Russia and Ukraine," she said, adding that the United States intends to "bring the matter to an end."

Earlier, Witkoff thanked the Russian leader for the time he had devoted to the negotiations.

The talks between Putin and Witkoff began in St. Petersburg. The American special envoy arrived in Russia on April 11.