Three-way Ukraine talks to resume in November, Kremlin confirms

Vladimir Putin has agreed to restart the stalled peace process, agreeing in principle to hold three-way talks with the United States and Ukraine next month. The decision was announced by Yuri Ushakov, the Kremlin’s foreign affairs adviser, following a meeting in St. Petersburg. This move potentially sets up the first such high-level negotiations since February, offering a new path toward ending the conflict.

The primary goal of these upcoming discussions is to build a lasting security system for both Russia and Ukraine once the conflict concludes. Ushakov emphasized that the agenda is focused on postwar stability. The talks are being driven by U.S. President Donald Trump, who is actively pressing Kyiv to reach a deal that halts the fighting. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has voiced support for this renewed push from Washington, stating that the objective is clear: to end the war and prepare for a meeting at the leaders' level.

However, there are notable caveats regarding the progress made so far. The previous rounds of negotiations, which took place in Abu Dhabi and Geneva earlier this year, yielded little beyond the exchange of prisoners of war. Moscow and Kyiv have largely stuck to their longstanding demands, with little movement on the core issues. Ushakov noted that the proposals emerging from recent meetings in Oslo contained little of real value, although he later softened this stance on Russian state TV, describing them as a step in the right direction despite not being fully satisfactory to Moscow.

The St. Petersburg discussions lasted about three hours and took place at the Constantine Palace. Attendees included Ushakov and Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev, while Jared Kushner joined via video link. A U.S. official familiar with the private meeting stated that Witkoff and Kushner proposed the technical-level three-way meeting and shared progress from their talks with Zelenskyy the previous day in Oslo. They also discussed a postwar economic plan and European security arrangements.

In his televised remarks, Putin signaled a broader diplomatic opening. He said he was ready to consider restoring economic ties between the U.S. and Russia and was prepared to discuss the U.S.-led conflict with Iran. Moscow indicated it is willing to use its relationship with Tehran to help bring peace. Ushakov added that large-scale joint economic projects were discussed in detail with Witkoff, with some reportedly nearing the implementation stage.

The diplomatic push coincided with a release of a retired American teacher, Stephen Hubbard, who had been imprisoned on charges of fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine. Witkoff described this as a goodwill gesture from the Kremlin after Trump asked Putin to free him. Additionally, Putin met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang during his visit to St. Petersburg. The two leaders discussed a possible meeting next month at an economic summit in China, where Russian, Chinese, and U.S. leaders may gather. Beijing is already preparing for this potential summit.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre met with Witkoff in Oslo after his return from Russia. Støre suggested that the region may have entered a new phase where Russia is looking for diplomatic opportunities. He indicated that the new talks are likely to happen in mid-November. When asked about Ukraine accepting a border along the current front line, Støre noted that while Ukraine may not formally accept it as a new border, whether they can live with it is a separate question.

Pressure remains high on Zelenskyy to compromise. At the White House on Tuesday, Trump told reporters that he wants Zelenskyy to make a deal, citing the significant support the U.S. has provided to Ukraine. He warned that failing to reach an agreement could lead to a very bad outcome. Zelenskyy responded by noting that Kyiv is once again receiving early warnings from partners about incoming Russian missiles, a change from recent strikes that occurred without sufficient notice.

Military actions continued alongside the diplomatic efforts. Overnight Russian attacks in Kyiv left three people dead and 12 wounded, with ten residential buildings damaged. Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi reported that energy facilities were targeted in Kyiv and three other cities. In the eastern city of Kharkiv, two people died and 11 were wounded when drones exploded in a residential area. The Russian Defense Ministry stated that its forces struck a warehouse, an electrical substation, and a bulk carrier headed to the port of Odesa, while its air defenses intercepted 373 Ukrainian drones over multiple regions and the Black Sea.