Ukraine War: Kremlin Confirms Return to Tripartite Negotiations

Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed in principle to resume three-way negotiations with the United States and Ukraine, a development that could mark the first such direct talks since February. Kremlin foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov announced the agreement on Wednesday, stating that the discussions are scheduled to begin after November 10. The decision follows a lengthy meeting between Putin and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg, suggesting a renewed, albeit cautious, effort to end the conflict that has persisted for more than four and a half years.

The proposed talks will center on constructing a security framework for both nations once the fighting concludes, according to Ushakov. This diplomatic push coincides with increasing pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has urged Kyiv to secure a deal to halt the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed support for Washington’s initiative to restart negotiations quickly. In an audio message released late Wednesday, Zelenskyy stated that the objective is to end the war and prepare for a meeting at the leaders' level, noting that Russia has previously indicated readiness to meet, though previous attempts were canceled.

Despite the verbal commitments, skepticism remains regarding the effectiveness of these talks. Early this year, representatives from the three countries held three rounds of negotiations, including sessions in Abu Dhabi and Geneva. However, progress was limited largely to prisoner exchanges, as both Moscow and Kyiv maintained their core demands. Ushakov described the proposals emerging from a recent meeting in Oslo as containing "little of real value" in resolving the crisis, although he later conceded on state television that they represented a step in the right direction, even if Moscow was not "fully satisfied."

The St. Petersburg discussion, which lasted approximately three hours at the Constantine Palace, included key figures such as Ushakov, Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev, and Jared Kushner, who joined via video. A U.S. official familiar with the private meeting stated that Witkoff and Kushner proposed a technical-level tripartite meeting and shared updates from their prior discussions with Zelenskyy. The agenda also covered a postwar economic plan and broader European security concerns. This meeting took place the day after Witkoff conferred with Zelenskyy and European leaders in Oslo.

During televised remarks, Putin indicated a willingness to consider restoring economic ties with the United States and to discuss the U.S.-led conflict with Iran, suggesting Russia could use its relationship with Tehran to facilitate peace. Ushakov noted that "large-scale joint economic projects" were discussed in detail, with some nearing the implementation stage. In a separate gesture perceived as a sign of goodwill, Russia released retired American teacher Stephen Hubbard, who had been imprisoned on mercenary charges, following a request from Trump to Putin.

Meanwhile, the physical reality of the war continues to shape the diplomatic backdrop. Shortly after Zelenskyy’s message, a missile alert sounded over Kyiv, accompanied by loud explosions. Overnight Russian attacks left three people dead and 12 wounded in the capital, with 10 residential buildings damaged. Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi reported that energy facilities in Kyiv and three other cities were targeted. In the east, two people died and 11 were wounded near Kharkiv due to drone strikes. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed its air defenses intercepted 373 Ukrainian drones overnight across multiple regions, including Crimea and the Black Sea.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, who met with Witkoff briefly in Oslo, suggested the region may be entering a new phase where Russia seeks diplomatic opportunities. Støre indicated the talks were likely to occur in mid-November and mused that while Ukraine might not formally accept a border along the current front line, it might be able to live with it. At the White House on Tuesday, Trump intensified his pressure on Zelenskyy, stating, "We want Zelenskyy to make a deal," and warning that failure to do so would result in a "very bad thing." Zelenskyy noted that Kyiv is again receiving early warnings about incoming missiles, a sign of restored coordination with partners.

Beyond the Ukraine conflict, Putin met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in St. Petersburg. The two leaders discussed a possible meeting at an upcoming economic summit in China, which would include U.S. participation. This trilateral economic forum is being prepared by Beijing, according to Ushakov. Russia and China have deepened their ties recently, including a joint veto of a U.N. proposal for sanctions monitoring on Iran last month, further complicating the geopolitical landscape as these new negotiations take shape.