Moscow and Washington agree to restart Ukraine peace talks

Russia has agreed in principle to hold trilateral talks with the United States and Ukraine starting after November 10, marking the first such negotiations since February. Kremlin official Yuri Ushakov announced the decision following a three-hour meeting between President Vladimir Putin and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg. The talks are intended to establish a security framework for both nations once the conflict concludes.

The primary focus of these upcoming discussions will be the architecture of post-war security. Ushakov stated that the agenda is designed to build a stable system for Russia and Ukraine after the fighting stops. This development comes as President Donald Trump continues to pressure Kyiv to reach a definitive deal that halts the fighting, a push supported by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy expressed his backing for a rapid restart, noting that the goal is to prepare for a potential meeting between the heads of state.

Despite the agreement to meet, significant friction remains between the parties. The Kremlin described the proposals generated at a recent meeting in Oslo as having little real value for resolving the crisis. However, Ushakov later clarified on state television that while Moscow is not fully satisfied with those terms, they represent a step in the right direction. The U.S. side, including Witkoff and Jared Kushner, proposed technical-level trilateral meetings and discussed progress made in Oslo with Zelenskyy.

Economic considerations are now playing a more prominent role in the diplomatic exchange. Putin indicated a readiness to consider restoring economic ties with the United States and discussed large-scale joint projects with Witkoff. Ushakov noted that some of these cooperative initiatives are nearing the implementation stage. Additionally, the leaders discussed a potential trilateral meeting involving China at an economic summit later this month, a venue Beijing is already preparing for.

The diplomatic push occurs against a backdrop of continued military intensity. Overnight strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities killed five people and wounded at least 23 others, targeting energy infrastructure and residential areas. The Russian Defense Ministry reported intercepting 373 Ukrainian drones over its territory. In a gesture of goodwill, Russia released a retired American teacher who had been imprisoned on mercenary charges, a move Witkoff linked to Trump’s request for his freedom.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, who met with Witkoff in Oslo, suggested that the region may be entering a new phase of diplomacy. He indicated that Ukraine might not formally accept the current front line as a permanent border but could potentially live with it as a practical reality. Trump, meanwhile, maintained public pressure on Zelenskyy, warning that failure to reach a deal would lead to negative consequences for the Ukrainian leadership.