RUSSIA has agreed to resume US-mediated peace talks with Ukraine as early as November 10, in a fresh diplomatic push to end the war, the Kremlin said after President Vladimir Putin met US envoy Steve Witkoff.
The proposed trilateral negotiations, potentially in Abu Dhabi, would focus on security guarantees for Russia and Ukraine after the conflict ends, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said on Wednesday.
Reuters, on Thursday, cited the talks would be held at a technical level, with November 10 or a later date being considered, marking a possible resumption of negotiations last held in February.
Putin’s meeting with Witkoff at the Constantine Palace in St Petersburg also began with a goodwill gesture, with Russia releasing retired US schoolteacher Stephen Hubbard after US President Donald Trump had asked Putin to free him.
However, Ushakov said discussions held a day earlier in Oslo between Witkoff, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Nordic leaders and European and NATO representatives had produced nuances that did not fully satisfy Moscow.
Witkoff had told Putin there was “some degree of momentum” in the discussions, while a US official said Ukraine had presented new ideas and proposals.
Russia and Ukraine remain far apart on the terms of a settlement, with Putin continuing to demand full Russian control of the Donetsk region, oppose Ukraine’s NATO membership and seek an overall peace agreement rather than a temporary ceasefire.
Putin also offered to help Trump address concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme, saying a deal with Tehran was both possible and necessary, according to the Kremlin.
Russia could also supply large quantities of fertiliser to the United States to support American farmers, Putin told Witkoff.
The meeting also covered the possibility of a three-way meeting involving Putin, Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in China next month. The Kremlin said Beijing was preparing for what it described as the first meeting of its kind.
The diplomatic efforts come amid concerns in Kyiv and among its allies over Washington’s commitment to Ukraine, following reports of disruptions to intelligence sharing and military communications.
Trump, who pledged during his election campaign to end the war within 24 hours, has recently increased pressure on Kyiv to reach a settlement, saying on Tuesday that Ukraine must end the war or face “a very bad thing”.
Witkoff also brought documents containing ideas for a potential peace deal for Putin to review. Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, who later joined the meeting by phone, also wanted to convey proposals, the US envoy said.
Zelenskiy said he hoped to discuss key issues in ending the war at a trilateral meeting involving himself, Putin and Trump. - October 22, 2026