Three-Way Ukraine Peace Talks Set to Resume in November

Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to restart peace negotiations with the United States and Ukraine. This decision, announced by Kremlin official Yuri Ushakov on Wednesday, sets the stage for the first three-way talks since February. The talks are scheduled to resume after November 10, following a meeting in St. Petersburg between Putin and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff.

The primary goal of these discussions is to establish a security framework for both nations once the conflict concludes. Ushakov stated that the agenda is straightforward: ending the war and preparing for a meeting between the leaders. This move comes as U.S. President Donald Trump intensifies pressure on Kyiv to finalize a deal that halts the fighting.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed support for Washington’s push to resume talks quickly. In an audio message released late Wednesday, he noted that Russia has previously indicated its willingness to meet but that previous plans had been canceled. He added that the current situation remains to be seen, despite the recent agreement.

The St. Petersburg discussion lasted approximately three hours. It took place the day after Witkoff met with Zelenskyy and European leaders in Oslo. While Ushakov initially claimed the Oslo proposals offered little value, he later told state television that they represented a step in the right direction, even if Moscow was not fully satisfied.

During the meeting, Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who joined via video, proposed a technical-level meeting involving all three countries. They also discussed a postwar economic plan and European security arrangements. A U.S. official familiar with the private discussions confirmed that Witkoff and Kushner shared progress from their earlier talks with Zelenskyy.

Putin indicated openness to restoring economic ties with the United States and discussing the Iran conflict. Ushakov noted that large-scale joint economic projects were discussed in detail, with some nearing the implementation stage. In a related development, Russia released a retired American teacher imprisoned on mercenary charges, a move Witkoff described as a goodwill gesture following a request from Trump.

The diplomatic push contrasts with the ongoing military situation. Overnight Russian attacks in Kyiv killed three people and wounded twelve, while strikes in Kharkiv left two dead and eleven injured. Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi reported that energy facilities in Kyiv and three other cities were targeted. The Russian Defense Ministry stated its forces struck a warehouse, an electrical substation, and a ship bound for Odesa.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre suggested the region may be entering a new diplomatic phase. He indicated the talks are likely to occur in mid-November. Meanwhile, Russian air defenses reported intercepting 373 Ukrainian drones over multiple regions and the Black Sea overnight.

Trump continued to press Zelenskyy for compromise at the White House on Tuesday. He stated that the U.S. has given much to Ukraine but received little in return, warning that failure to reach a deal would lead to a bad outcome. Zelenskyy responded by noting that Kyiv is again receiving early warnings about incoming missiles from partners, addressing recent concerns about the level of support.