Russian Invasion Negotiations

Putin: Ready for talks on a definitive peace agreement

Vladimir Putin is prepared to engage in tripartite talks with Ukraine and the United States once again—on one condition, he told state television, according to AFP.

“The goal of the talks should be to discuss security for both Ukraine and Russia [...] within the framework of a definitive agreement, not just a short-term ceasefire.”

However, he does not appear to have shifted his position regarding the occupied Ukrainian territories. Eastern Ukraine is “historically Russian land,” he stated, according to Reuters.

Russia has signaled an openness to holding peace talks in Abu Dhabi in November. Yesterday, Putin’s advisor Yuri Ushakov claimed that “the conflict in Ukraine is nearing its end.” 

Zelenskyy: Nothing personal between me and Trump

The relationship between the United States and Ukraine has deteriorated in recent weeks, and the tone between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy has, at times, been frosty. This is not due to any personal issue, Zelenskyy said in a conciliatory interview with CNN from Kyiv on Thursday.

“My view of Putin is very clear. If we lift sanctions, we only make him stronger. This is not about a personal conflict between me and President Trump. Naturally, I am opposed to the lifting of any sanctions,” he said.

Furthermore, ahead of the next round of tripartite talks in early November, Zelenskyy questions whether Vladimir Putin is genuinely interested in peace.

“Putin is playing a game, you see. He is a player,” he says. 

Peace Talks – Getting Down to Business

• Peace talks involving Ukraine, the United States, and Russia took place in October 2026, with meetings held in Oslo and Saint Petersburg. 
• US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with both Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin to discuss peace proposals, though no concrete breakthroughs were reported. 
• A temporary ceasefire regarding attacks on energy infrastructure was discussed; however, Ukraine and the EU expressed skepticism about Russia’s willingness to abide by any agreements. 
• Relations between the US and Ukraine became strained following a deal between Trump and Russia concerning diesel, while the US simultaneously threatened to reduce its military aid to Ukraine. 
• European leaders—most notably Finnish President Alexander Stubb—were highlighted as potential mediators for future peace talks, with calls for broader European participation.