Witkoff’s hand over his heart in front of Putin: symbolic gesture ignites debate

Trump’s envoy greets the Russian president in St Petersburg. It is the third meeting, on the table the war in Ukraine

A hand on the chest, on the side of the heart. This is how Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump’s envoy, presented himself upon the arrival of Russian leader Vladimir Putin at the presidential library in St Petersburg, where the eagerly awaited meeting on the war in Ukraine was held. The gesture – noted by the Russian news agency Ria Novosti – preceded a formal handshake, immortalised in a video released by the Kremlin.

Witkoff also briefly adjusted his tie before greeting the Russian president. A minor detail, but noted by the local media, in a context where any visual symbolism is carefully deciphered.

‘Welcome’, was the word Putin chose to greet the US envoy. Witkoff responded by expressing appreciation for the time given and satisfaction with the meeting, the third with Putin according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. The meeting had not been announced well in advance, increasing media and diplomatic attention on the event.

THE LATEST NEWS

• International-News

Here is the text of the Sharm el-Sheikh Declaration for Peace in Gaza

14 Ottobre 2025

The text of the agreement signed by Trump, al-Sisi, al-Thani and Erdoğan for stability and security in the Gaza Strip...

Read More

• International-News

Rutte: ‘Russian hypersonic missiles can hit Rome in minutes’

13 Ottobre 2025

 -Russian hypersonic missiles, NATO alert: ‘Europe is entirely on the eastern front’- Russia poses a direct and immediate threat to...

Read More

• International-News

LIVE VIDEO All living hostages (20) handed over to Israel

13 Ottobre 2025

 -Breaking news - All the hostages, 20 to be precise, have been handed over by Hamas and are now in...

Read More

• International-News

Shooting in St Helena: at least 4 dead and 20 injured in a restaurant

12 Ottobre 2025

South Carolina in shock after armed attack in a restaurant on the island of St Helena At least four people...

Read More

• International-News

France, Macron confirms Lecornu: mixed reactions from political parties

11 Ottobre 2025

Following the appointment of Sébastien Lecornu as Prime Minister, LR and PS divided over support for the new government In...

Read More

• International-News

North Korea unveils Hwasong-20 missile during military parade VIDEO

11 Ottobre 2025

Kim Jong-un praises armed forces and unveils new Hwasong-20 intercontinental missile In its first major military parade in two years,...

Read More

(Photo: © AndKronos)