Kremlin Confirms Three Way Ukraine Peace Talks for November

The long stalled effort to end the war in Ukraine saw a sudden shift in momentum on Wednesday as the Kremlin confirmed that Moscow will resume three way talks with the United States and Kyiv next month. This development marks a pivotal moment in the conflict, potentially bringing the first direct trilateral negotiations since February. The agreement comes after intense diplomatic activity that has seen US officials shuttling between the major powers in an attempt to force a resolution.

Russian President Vladimir Putin gave his approval to the process in principle following a three hour session in St. Petersburg. His foreign affairs adviser, Yuri Ushakov, informed reporters that the talks are scheduled to begin after November 10. The primary objective of these discussions, according to Ushakov, is to build a security system for both Russia and Ukraine once the active fighting concludes. This timeline aligns with the broader push by the White House to secure a deal before the end of the year.

The diplomatic breakthrough occurred the day after US envoy Steve Witkoff met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several European leaders in Oslo. Ushakov initially described the proposals from that Norwegian summit as containing little real value for resolving the crisis. However, he later softened that stance on Russian state television, noting that while Moscow is not fully satisfied, the Oslo discussions represent a step in the right direction. This nuanced reaction suggests a willingness to move forward despite previous frustrations.

The atmosphere in Kyiv remained tense even as the news broke. Shortly after Zelenskyy issued an audio message supporting the rapid restart of talks, a missile alert sounded over the capital, followed by loud explosions. Zelenskyy stated that the agenda is clear, focusing on ending the war and preparing for a potential meeting at the leaders level. He noted that Russia has often claimed readiness for negotiations in various formats, but previous attempts were canceled. He expressed cautious optimism, saying that the world will see what happens this time.

The St. Petersburg meeting took place at the Constantine Palace and included key figures from both sides. In addition to Ushakov and Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev, Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, joined the discussion via video link. A US official familiar with the private meeting said that Witkoff and Kushner proposed the technical level three way meeting and shared their progress from the previous day’s talks with Zelenskyy. The group also discussed a postwar economic plan and European security architecture.

During his televised opening remarks, Putin signaled openness to broader economic cooperation. He said he was ready to consider restoring US Russia economic ties and was prepared to discuss the US led conflict with Iran. He asserted that Moscow stands ready to use its relationship with Tehran to help bring peace. Ushakov added that large scale joint economic projects with significant cooperation prospects were discussed in detail, with some nearing the implementation stage. This economic angle may serve as a crucial incentive for the Russian leadership.

In a related development, Russia released Stephen Hubbard, a retired American teacher who had been imprisoned on mercenary charges. Witkoff described the move as a goodwill gesture following Trump’s request for Hubbard’s freedom. The release highlights the personal diplomacy involved in the current peace efforts. Meanwhile, Putin also met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who was in St. Petersburg for other talks. The two leaders discussed a possible meeting next month at an economic summit in China, with Beijing reportedly already preparing for the event.

The diplomatic activity continued as Witkoff returned to Oslo for further consultations. He met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre at the airport for an hour long discussion before flying back to the US. Støre told local broadcaster NRK that the region may have entered a new phase where Russia is actively looking for diplomatic opportunities. He predicted the new talks would likely occur in mid November. When asked about border issues, Støre suggested that while Ukraine might not formally accept the current front line as a permanent border, living with it is a different matter.

At the White House, President Trump increased pressure on Zelenskyy to compromise, noting that relations between the two leaders have soured again. Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that the US wants Zelenskyy to make a deal, citing the significant support Ukraine has received. He warned that if a deal is not reached, the outcome would be very bad for the region. Amidst fears of Washington turning its back on Kyiv, Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine is once again receiving early warnings about incoming Russian missiles from its partners, a sign of renewed coordination despite the political friction.

The diplomatic push comes against a backdrop of continued violence. 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 in Kyiv and three other cities were targeted. In Kharkiv, drone explosions in a residential area killed two people and wounded 11 others. The Russian Defense Ministry said its forces struck a warehouse, an electrical substation, and a bulk carrier at sea. Russian air defenses also reported intercepting 373 Ukrainian drones over multiple regions, including the Crimean Peninsula and the Black Sea, as the conflict continues despite the new hope for peace.