Russia Backs Return to Ukraine Peace Talks

The Kremlin has agreed to resume three-way negotiations on the war in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin gave his approval to restart talks with the United States and Kyiv. These discussions are scheduled to begin after November 10. This move potentially sets up the first such talks since February. The Kremlin official who announced the decision, Yuri Ushakov, stated that Putin agreed to the restart in principle. The decision follows a meeting in St. Petersburg between Putin and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. The goal of these talks is to build a security system for both Russia and Ukraine once the conflict ends. This development comes as U.S. President Donald Trump presses Kyiv to finalize a deal that stops the fighting.

The timing of the talks is significant. Three rounds of negotiations took place earlier this year. These meetings occurred in Abu Dhabi in January and February. Further talks were held in Geneva in February. Little progress was reported beyond the exchange of prisoners of war. Moscow and Kyiv maintained their longstanding basic demands during those sessions. The latest proposals from recent meetings have been criticized by the Kremlin for containing little real value. Ushakov noted that while Moscow is not fully satisfied with the Oslo proposals, they represent a step in the right direction. The discussion in St. Petersburg lasted about three hours. It came a day after Witkoff met with Zelenskyy and European leaders in Oslo.

Several key figures were involved in the St. Petersburg meeting. Witkoff and Putin met at the Constantine Palace. Ushakov and Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev were also present at the table. Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, joined the discussion via video link. During the session, Witkoff and Kushner proposed a technical-level three-way meeting. They also shared progress from their talks with Zelenskyy from the previous day. The group discussed a postwar economic plan and European security. A U.S. official familiar with the talks described the private nature of the discussions. Witkoff and Kushner also outlined plans for the upcoming meeting between the three nations.

Putin indicated a willingness to expand discussions beyond the war. In televised remarks, he said he is ready to consider restoring economic ties with the U.S. He also prepared to discuss the U.S.-led conflict with Iran. Moscow stands ready to use its relationship with Tehran to help bring peace. Ushakov said that large-scale joint economic projects were discussed in detail. He noted that some of these projects are nearing the implementation stage. In a separate development, Russia released a retired American teacher imprisoned on mercenary charges. Witkoff described this as a goodwill gesture after Trump asked Putin to free Stephen Hubbard. Putin also met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang during his stay in St. Petersburg.

The diplomatic activity extends to other regions. Witkoff returned to Oslo for further consultations after his trip to Russia. He met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre at the airport. The meeting lasted just over an hour. Støre suggested that a new phase of diplomacy may have begun. He expects the new talks to happen in mid-November. When asked about borders, Storea said Ukraine may not formally accept a new border along the front line. However, he suggested Kyiv might be able to live with such an arrangement. These developments occur as Russian attacks continue to impact Ukraine. Overnight strikes in Kyiv left three people dead and twelve wounded. Two more people died outside Kharkiv when drones exploded in a residential area. Energy facilities in Kyiv and three other cities were also targeted.

The stakes remain high for all parties involved. Trump has increased pressure on Zelenskyy to reach an agreement. Relations between the two leaders have soured recently. Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that the U.S. wants Zelenskyy to make a deal. He stated that the U.S. has given a lot to Ukraine but received little in return. Trump warned that a lack of progress would lead to a very bad outcome. Zelenskyy said Kyiv is once again receiving early warnings about incoming missiles. He noted that recent strikes occurred without enough notice from allies. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that air defenses intercepted 373 Ukrainian drones over multiple regions. These include the Crimean Peninsula and the Black Sea. The ministry said forces struck a warehouse, an electrical substation, and a bulk carrier near Odesa.

The path forward involves multiple diplomatic tracks. A possible meeting between Russian, Chinese, and U.S. leaders is being discussed. This would take place at an economic summit in China next month. Ushakov said Beijing is already preparing for this event. The combination of trilateral talks, economic discussions, and bilateral meetings signals a busy period ahead. The outcome of these negotiations will determine the next steps in ending the war. All parties are watching closely as the calendar moves toward mid-November.