Negotiators Return to the Table After Three Hours of Private Discussions

For ordinary citizens in Ukraine and Russia, the immediate reality remains one of nightly alerts and damaged infrastructure, but a diplomatic shift has begun to take shape. The Kremlin announced on Wednesday that Russia has agreed in principle to resume three-way negotiations with the United States and Ukraine. These talks are scheduled to begin next month, marking the first such high-level discussions since February. The move follows a three-hour private meeting in St. Petersburg between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, which laid the groundwork for a renewed push toward a ceasefire.

The decision to restart the process comes as U.S. President Donald Trump intensifies pressure on Kyiv to reach a deal. Witkoff’s visit to Russia occurred just one day after he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several European leaders in Oslo. While the Kremlin criticized the Oslo proposals as lacking substantial value, Russian foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov noted that they represent a step in the right direction. The upcoming talks will focus on constructing a post-conflict security system for both nations, according to Ushakov.

Zelenskyy voiced his support for the swift restart of negotiations, stating in an audio message that the agenda is clear: to end the war and prepare for a meeting at the leaders' level. He acknowledged that Russia has previously indicated its readiness to meet, though previous plans were canceled. This diplomatic progress was sharply contrasted by events in the capital shortly after Zelenskyy’s message, when missile alerts sounded over Kyiv and loud explosions were heard, reminding residents of the ongoing conflict despite the diplomatic overtures.

The St. Petersburg meeting included Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, who joined via video link. According to a U.S. official familiar with the discussions, Witkoff and Kushner proposed the three-way technical-level meeting and shared progress from their prior conversations with Zelenskyy. They also discussed postwar economic plans and European security. During the session, Putin expressed willingness to consider restoring economic ties with the U.S. and to discuss the U.S.-led conflict in Iran, suggesting Moscow could use its relationship with Tehran to help bring peace.

In a gesture of goodwill, Russia released a retired American teacher, Stephen Hubbard, who had been imprisoned on mercenary charges. Witkoff indicated this was a response to a request from Trump. Additionally, Putin met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who was in St. Petersburg for other talks. The two leaders discussed a potential trilateral summit involving Russia, China, and the U.S. at an economic event in China next month, with Beijing already preparing for the event.

Back in Norway, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre suggested that a new phase of diplomacy may have begun, predicting the new talks would occur in mid-November. He offered a nuanced view on the border issue, noting that while Ukraine might not formally accept a border along the current front line, it might be a reality the country has to live with. Meanwhile, Trump continued to press his case at the White House, telling reporters that the U.S. wants Zelenskyy to make a deal, citing significant American support and losses. He warned that failure to reach an agreement could lead to negative outcomes.

On the battlefield, Russian attacks overnight resulted in significant casualties. In Kyiv, three people were killed and 12 wounded, with ten residential buildings damaged. Energy facilities in Kyiv and three other cities were targeted. In Kharkiv, two people died and 11 were wounded when drones struck a residential area. The Russian Defense Ministry reported intercepting 373 Ukrainian drones over multiple regions and the Black Sea. Zelenskyy noted that Kyiv is once again receiving early warnings about incoming missiles, a development he credited to improved coordination with partners.

The next few weeks will be critical as the three sides prepare for their resumption of talks. While the last few years have seen limited progress beyond prisoner exchanges, the current momentum suggests a stronger desire for resolution. The involvement of key figures from all three governments, along with the release of the American teacher, indicates an effort to build trust. As the war enters its fifth year, these negotiations represent a potential turning point, though the outcome remains uncertain and dependent on the willingness of all parties to compromise on core demands.