Russia, Ukraine, US set to resume peace talks

Russia, Ukraine and the United States are set to resume trilateral peace talks in Abu Dhabi in the first half of November, with post-war security arrangements expected to be a key focus, the Kremlin said on Friday. 

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the talks would initially involve the three countries, although European participation could be considered later. He stressed that a comprehensive settlement would be impossible without addressing the security concerns of both Russia and Ukraine.

The announcement followed a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US special envoy Steve Witkoff in St Petersburg on Wednesday. Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov said Moscow was willing in principle to resume negotiations around November 10, with discussions expected to take place at the expert level.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also expressed support for resuming negotiations as soon as possible, saying the agenda should focus on ending the war, advancing peace and preparing for a meeting between the leaders.

However, prospects for a breakthrough remain uncertain. Russia and Ukraine remain divided over territorial control and future security arrangements, while Moscow has continued to press its demands over the Donbas region.