Russia resumes Ukraine talks in November

Three rounds of talks collapsed in early 2026, but a new cycle begins in mid-November. The Kremlin confirmed on Wednesday that Russia has agreed to resume negotiations with Washington and Kyiv. This marks the first potential restart since February. The talks are scheduled to take place after November 10.

The shift follows a three-hour meeting in St. Petersburg. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff met with President Vladimir Putin at the Constantine Palace. Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s foreign affairs adviser, stated that Putin agreed in principle to restart the process. Jared Kushner joined the discussion via video link. The group discussed a postwar economic plan and European security. They also shared progress from Witkoff’s earlier meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Oslo.

Earlier this year, representatives from the three countries met twice in Abu Dhabi and once in Geneva. Those sessions yielded little beyond prisoner exchanges. Both sides remained stuck on core demands. The Oslo proposals from last week were described as having limited value. Yet Ushakov later called them a step in the right direction. Trump’s administration has pushed hard for a deal since early last year. No significant progress had been made until now.

Zelenskyy voiced support for the swift restart. He said the agenda is clear: end the war and prepare for a leaders’ meeting. He noted that Russia has often expressed readiness to meet in various formats. However, previous plans were canceled. He added that the outcome remains to be seen. Shortly after his audio message, missile alerts sounded over Kyiv. Loud explosions were heard in the capital. This highlighted the urgency of the diplomatic push.

Putin signaled openness to broader economic issues. He said he is ready to consider restoring U.S.-Russia economic ties. The two sides discussed large-scale joint projects. Some of these are nearing implementation, Ushakov said. Putin also mentioned discussions on the U.S.-led conflict with Iran. Moscow aims to use its relationship with Tehran to help bring peace. Witkoff and Putin also explored a possible trilateral meeting in China next month. Beijing is already preparing for that summit.

In other developments, Russia released a retired American teacher named Stephen Hubbard. He had been imprisoned on mercenary charges. Witkoff described this as a goodwill gesture. Trump had asked Putin to free him. In Oslo, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre met with Witkoff. Støre believes the region may have entered a new phase of diplomacy. He suggested Ukraine might eventually live with a border along the current front line, even if it is not formally accepted.

Trump increased pressure on Zelenskyy at the White House on Tuesday. He urged Kyiv to make a deal, citing significant U.S. support and losses. Zelenskyy responded by noting that Kyiv is receiving early missile warnings again. Recent strikes had lacked adequate notice from allies. Overnight attacks in Kyiv left three people dead and twelve wounded. Energy facilities in four cities were targeted. Russian air defenses intercepted 373 Ukrainian drones overnight.

The next steps are clear. Mid-November is the target date for the new talks. Leaders hope to build a security system for the post-conflict era. Economic ties and regional stability are now central to the agenda. The outcome of these talks will shape the next phase of the war.