Russia says it is ready to resume talks with Ukraine and US to end war
News Source
β’Wed, 21 Oct 2026 17:42:34 GMT
π° What Happened
Russia says it is ready in principle to restart talks with the US and Ukraine on ending the war. The comment came from Yuri Ushakov, Vladimir Putin's top aide, after Putin met US envoy Steve Witkoff in St Petersburg.
Ushakov said a new round could be held around 10 November in Abu Dhabi. A US official said the three sides agreed to meet at a technical level. Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky says he would accept a ceasefire that freezes the front line.
π The Backstory
Russia launched its full invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Earlier rounds of talks stalled, and Moscow refused to meet for months, saying it was winning on the battlefield. Ukraine is short of interceptors for shooting down Russian missiles.
The push to restart talks comes as Kyiv and Washington argue over intelligence sharing and US sanctions on Russian oil. Russia also freed Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old American held for fighting for Ukraine.
π― Why It Matters
Any real ceasefire would save lives on both sides and could ease fuel and food prices. But these talks are still only a first step.
Russia says it is ready in principle to restart talks with the US and Ukraine on ending the war. The comment came from Yuri Ushakov, Vladimir Putin's top aide, after Putin met US envoy Steve Witkoff in St Petersburg.
Ushakov said a new round could be held around 10 November in Abu Dhabi. A US official said the three sides agreed to meet at a technical level. Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky says he would accept a ceasefire that freezes the front line.
Russia launched its full invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Earlier rounds of talks stalled, and Moscow refused to meet for months, saying it was winning on the battlefield. Ukraine is short of interceptors for shooting down Russian missiles.
The push to restart talks comes as Kyiv and Washington argue over intelligence sharing and US sanctions on Russian oil. Russia also freed Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old American held for fighting for Ukraine.
Any real ceasefire would save lives on both sides and could ease fuel and food prices. But these talks are still only a first step.