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World · October 21, 2026

Putin agrees to trilateral talks with Ukraine, US to end war

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U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg on Wednesday to present a peace proposal aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Following the meeting, the Kremlin stated it was 'ready in principle' to resume trilateral negotiations with the U.S. and Ukraine, potentially starting as early as next month. The visit, which followed Witkoff's consultations with President Zelensky and European leaders in Oslo, also resulted in the release of Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old American citizen who had been detained in Russia for four years. While Russia expressed a willingness to study the U.S. proposal, Kremlin officials emphasized that progress is contingent on Ukraine making 'necessary decisions' and warned of worsening conditions if they fail to do so.

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Reported across the spectrum

  • U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff met with Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg.
  • Witkoff presented a peace proposal to the Kremlin after previously meeting with President Zelensky and European leaders in Oslo.
  • American citizen Stephen Hubbard was released from Russian detention during the visit.
  • The Kremlin confirmed it would study the U.S. proposals regarding the war.
  • Russia is ready 'in principle' to resume trilateral talks involving the U.S. and Ukraine.

Reported by only some outlets

  • Yuri Ushakov stated that peace talks could resume after November 10.
  • Russian officials warned the situation for Ukraine 'will be worse' if its leaders do not make specific decisions.
  • The Witkoff-Putin meeting lasted approximately three hours.
  • Trilateral talks were previously suspended in February.
  • Witkoff's proposal included security guarantees and economic recovery funds for Ukraine.

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