Kremlin Confirms Return of Ukraine Peace Talks After Stalled Efforts

Russia has formally agreed to restart three-way peace negotiations with the United States and Ukraine. The talks are scheduled to resume in mid-November, marking the first such round since February. This development follows a high-level meeting in St. Petersburg between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff.

Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s foreign affairs adviser, stated that the president agreed “in principle” to the restart after November 10. The primary focus of the discussions will be establishing a security framework for both nations once the conflict concludes. Ushakov noted that while Moscow is not fully satisfied with recent proposals from Oslo, it views them as a step in the right direction.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed support for the rapid restart of these talks. In an audio message released late Wednesday, he described the agenda as clear: ending the war and preparing for a potential meeting at the leaders' level. He noted that Russia had previously signaled readiness for such meetings before previous cancellations, adding that observers will watch closely to see if this round yields different results.

The diplomatic push comes amid intense pressure from Washington. President Donald Trump has urged Kyiv to reach a deal, telling reporters that the U.S. has provided significant aid without adequate return. Meanwhile, the war continues to exact a heavy toll. Overnight Russian strikes killed five people and wounded at least 23 others across Kyiv, Kharkiv, and other locations, targeting energy infrastructure and residential areas.

During the St. Petersburg meeting, Witkoff and Jared Kushner proposed the technical-level trilateral talks. They also discussed postwar economic plans and European security. Putin indicated openness to restoring U.S.-Russia economic ties and using Moscow’s relationship with Iran to aid peace efforts. Additionally, Russia released a retired American teacher held on mercenary charges, a move Witkoff described as a goodwill gesture following Trump’s request.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, who met with Witkoff in Oslo, suggested that a new diplomatic phase may have begun. He indicated that the upcoming talks are likely to occur in mid-November. The resumption of dialogue offers a potential path forward after more than four and a half years of war, with all three parties appearing eager to generate new momentum for a lasting resolution.