Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed in principle to resume three-way peace talks with Ukraine and the United States as early as November, raising fresh hopes for diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing war. The announcement followed a meeting between Putin and US special envoy Steve Witkoff in St Petersburg on October 21, 2026.
According to Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov, the proposed negotiations could take place after November 10, with Abu Dhabi being considered as a possible venue. The discussions are expected to focus on establishing security arrangements for Russia and Ukraine after the conflict ends.
The meeting between Putin and Witkoff lasted nearly three hours and came amid renewed efforts by US President Donald Trump to secure a settlement. Witkoff had met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders in Oslo before travelling to Russia, carrying new proposals aimed at advancing the peace process.
Although Moscow indicated that the discussions had generated some momentum, Ushakov said Russia was not fully satisfied with the proposals presented during the Oslo meetings. Nevertheless, the Kremlin signalled that it was willing to consider further negotiations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has welcomed the prospect of renewed trilateral discussions and expressed support for holding them as soon as possible. Kyiv has also reiterated its support for ceasefire initiatives and humanitarian measures that could help bring an end to the fighting.
However, significant differences remain between Moscow and Kyiv over territorial control, Ukraine’s future relationship with NATO, and the security guarantees required for a lasting settlement. Russia has maintained key demands that Ukraine has opposed, complicating prospects for a comprehensive peace agreement.
The proposed talks would mark a renewed diplomatic effort after earlier US-mediated negotiations stalled in February. While Putin’s agreement represents a potential opening for dialogue, it remains unclear whether the next round will produce concrete progress towards a ceasefire or a final peace deal.
With fighting continuing on the ground, the success of the proposed negotiations will depend on whether Russia, Ukraine and the United States can bridge their differences and agree on practical steps towards ending the war.
