Three-Way Ukraine Peace Talks Set for November 10

Russia has agreed to resume three-way diplomatic negotiations with the United States and Ukraine on November 10, according to Kremlin officials. This decision, reached after a three-hour meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg, marks a significant development in the conflict. The talks, which will focus on establishing a post-conflict security framework, are expected to be the first formal interaction between the three parties since February.

Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s foreign affairs adviser, stated that the Russian leader agreed in principle to restart the dialogue. He noted that the primary objective is to build a security system for both nations once the fighting concludes. Witkoff’s visit to Russia followed his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders in Oslo the previous day. During the St. Petersburg discussions, Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who joined via video, proposed a technical-level trilateral meeting and reviewed a postwar economic plan alongside European security arrangements.

While Ushakov initially described the proposals from the Oslo meeting as containing little real value, he later acknowledged on state television that they represent a step in the right direction, even if Moscow is not fully satisfied. The diplomatic push comes as President Donald Trump continues to urge Kyiv to reach a deal to stop the fighting. In an audio message late Wednesday, Zelenskyy expressed support for a swift restart of talks, emphasizing that the agenda is clear: to end the war and prepare for a potential meeting at the leaders' level. He observed that Russia has previously expressed readiness for such meetings before previous discussions were canceled.

During the St. Petersburg summit, held at the Constantine Palace, Putin indicated his willingness to consider restoring economic ties with the U.S. and to discuss the U.S.-led conflict with Iran. Ushakov added that large-scale joint economic projects between Moscow and Washington were discussed in detail, with some nearing the implementation stage. Additionally, the leaders discussed a possible trilateral summit involving the U.S., Russia, and China at an economic conference in China next month, with Beijing already in preparation mode.

The diplomatic overtures coincided with continued military activity. Shortly after Zelenskyy’s statement, a missile alert was sounded over Kyiv, accompanied by loud explosions. Russian overnight strikes on Kyiv and three other cities targeted energy facilities, resulting in three deaths and 12 injuries in the capital, while two others were killed and 11 wounded near Kharkiv. In a separate development, Russia released Stephen Hubbard, a retired American teacher imprisoned on mercenary charges, a move Witkoff described as a goodwill gesture following Trump's request. Witkoff also met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in Oslo, where Støre suggested the talks could enter a new phase of diplomacy in mid-November.

Tensions remain high as Trump increased pressure on Zelenskyy at the White House on Tuesday, stating that the U.S. has given much to Ukraine and expects a deal. In response to concerns about Washington’s support, Zelenskyy confirmed that Kyiv is once again receiving early warnings about incoming missiles from its partners. The Russian Defense Ministry reported intercepting 373 Ukrainian drones over various regions and the Black Sea overnight, while also striking a warehouse, an electrical substation, and a bulk carrier heading to Odesa.