Russia 'ready' to resume trilateral talks but cool on Ukraine deal
Russia has expressed a willingness to resume trilateral peace talks with Ukraine and the United States in mid-November. However, the Kremlin remains skeptical of current peace proposals, suggesting they lack sufficient substance to end the ongoing conflict.
Why it matters
The potential for renewed diplomatic engagement between major global powers could signal a shift in the trajectory of the Russia-Ukraine war following US-led mediation efforts.
Russia and Ukraine signalled readiness to resume US-led peace talks following meetings between US envoy Steve Witkoff and both countries’ leaders.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov listen to US special envoy Steve Witkoff during a meeting at the Constantine Palace in Saint Petersburg, Russia on Oct 21, 2026. (Photo: Reuters/Gavriil Grigorov)
SAINT PETERSBURG: Russia said on Wednesday (Oct 21) it was ready to resume trilateral talks with Ukraine and the United States after Vladimir Putin met a US envoy and freed a detained American - but Moscow played down the chances of a deal to end the conflict.
US President Donald Trump said it was "the closest we've been" to ending the war while his envoy Steve Witkoff praised Putin as a "humanitarian" for freeing US citizen Stephen Hubbard .
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