by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
(Worthy News) – Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed in principle to resume U.S.-mediated peace negotiations with Ukraine next month following nearly three hours of talks with President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, in St. Petersburg on Wednesday.
The meeting at Constantine Palace marked Witkoff’s ninth face-to-face encounter with Putin and followed discussions in Oslo with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, European leaders, and NATO representatives.
According to Reuters, Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov said negotiations involving Washington, Moscow, and Kyiv could resume as early as November 10, potentially in Abu Dhabi, with discussions focusing on security guarantees for both Russia and Ukraine following a settlement.
However, significant obstacles remain. Moscow continues to demand control over Ukraine’s Donetsk region and assurances that Kyiv will not join NATO, while Ukraine insists on security guarantees and protection of its sovereignty.
President Trump has intensified pressure for a negotiated settlement, warning Tuesday that Ukraine must reach an agreement or face worsening consequences.
Despite the diplomatic initiative, fighting continued Thursday as Russian ballistic missiles struck Kyiv and Ukrainian drones targeted Moscow, underscoring the considerable distance between renewed negotiations and an actual ceasefire.
Iran and U.S.-Russia Relations Also Discussed
Beyond Ukraine, Putin offered to help Washington negotiate with Iran, citing Moscow’s longstanding relationship with Tehran. The Russian leader also expressed interest in expanding economic cooperation with the United States, including fertilizer and energy supplies.
In a goodwill gesture, Russia released American citizen Stephen Hubbard, a retired teacher imprisoned on charges of fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine, allegations disputed by his representatives.
The renewed diplomatic effort comes more than four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with the Trump administration seeking an end to the conflict even as fundamental disagreements over territory and security remain unresolved.
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