Kremlin Signals Major Shift as Three-Way Peace Talks Return to Agenda

The Kremlin announced on Wednesday that Russia has agreed in principle to resume three-way negotiations with the United States and Ukraine, aiming to end the war in Ukraine. This decision, communicated by Foreign Affairs Adviser Yuri Ushakov following a meeting in St. Petersburg, sets the stage for the first such talks since February. President Vladimir Putin authorized the restart of discussions for a period after November 10, signaling a potential pivot in the conflict's diplomatic landscape.

The move follows a three-hour discussion between Putin and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff at the Constantine Palace. Ushakov stated that the primary focus of the upcoming talks will be constructing a security framework for both nations once the conflict concludes. This engagement occurs as President Donald Trump intensifies pressure on Kyiv to finalize a deal, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressing support for a swift restart. Zelenskyy noted in an audio message that the agenda is clear: to end the war and prepare for a leaders' level meeting, though he remained cautious given previous cancellations.

Diplomatic momentum had stalled earlier in the year despite three rounds of negotiations in Abu Dhabi and Geneva. While prisoner exchanges occurred, substantive progress was limited by Moscow and Kyiv adhering to their core demands. Ushakov described the proposals from a recent meeting in Oslo as having "little of real value," though he later conceded they were a step in the right direction. Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who joined the St. Petersburg talks via video, proposed a technical-level three-way meeting and shared updates from their consultations with Zelenskyy in Norway.

Beyond the war, the leaders discussed broader geopolitical and economic issues. Putin indicated readiness to consider restoring U.S.-Russia economic ties and to discuss the conflict in Iran, suggesting Moscow is prepared to leverage its relationship with Tehran to aid peace efforts. Ushakov highlighted that large-scale joint economic projects were discussed in detail, with some nearing implementation. Additionally, Putin met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and the two sides discussed a potential trilateral economic summit in China next month.

The diplomatic efforts coincide with continued military pressure. Overnight Russian attacks on Kyiv and other cities left five people dead and at least 23 wounded, with energy facilities and residential areas targeted. The Russian Defense Ministry reported intercepting 373 Ukrainian drones. In a gesture of goodwill, Russia released retired American teacher Stephen Hubbard, who had been imprisoned on mercenary charges. U.S. President Trump, who had requested his release, recently told reporters that he wants Zelenskyy to make a deal, warning that failure to do so would be a "very bad thing." Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, who met with Witkoff in Oslo, suggested the region may be entering a new phase where Russia is actively seeking diplomatic opportunities.

The timing of the talks is critical, with mid-November identified as the likely window for the new negotiations. As the war marks more than four and a half years since its start, the Trump administration's push for a resolution has faced hurdles, but the recent engagement suggests leaders are eager to inject new momentum into U.S.-led peace efforts. The outcome of these discussions will determine whether the conflict moves toward a formalized end or remains in a state of stalemate.