President [Vladimir Putin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vladimir_Putin) has indicated that Russia will re‑engage in US‑mediated trilateral peace negotiations with Ukraine from 10 November, the Kremlin said on Wednesday following a lengthy discussion with US special envoy [Steve Witkoff](https://www.state.gov/). The talks, potentially to be hosted in Abu Dhabi, are expected to address security guarantees for both Moscow and Kyiv after hostilities cease.
Key facts:
- Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed the talks would be conducted at a technical level and that preparations are already under way.
- The last US‑facilitated round of negotiations took place in February, before the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran.
- During the St Petersburg meeting, Russia released American citizen Stephen Hubbard, a retired schoolteacher, after a request from President [Donald Trump](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Trump).
- Witkoff told Putin the recent dialogue showed “some degree of momentum,” while a US official said Ukraine had put forward fresh proposals.
**What did the Kremlin say about the upcoming talks?**
Ushakov told reporters that while Moscow welcomes the prospect of renewed dialogue, “these nuances, so to speak, do not entirely satisfy us,” indicating lingering reservations over certain discussion points.
**Why are the negotiations critical now?**
Both sides remain far apart on core issues: Russia insists on full control of the Donetsk region and opposes Ukraine’s NATO membership, while Kyiv seeks a durable settlement rather than a temporary ceasefire. President Trump has warned Kyiv to secure a deal or face “a very bad thing.”
**What other topics were covered in the meeting?**
Beyond Ukraine, Putin offered US cooperation on Iran’s nuclear programme, citing Russia’s long‑standing ties with Tehran, and proposed supplying large quantities of fertiliser to support American agriculture. The discussion also touched on a possible meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in China next month, described by the Kremlin as a historic first.
**How are US‑Ukraine relations faring amid the diplomatic push?**
Tensions have risen over military aid and intelligence sharing, with Kyiv reporting disruptions to the Starshield satellite system after a recent US‑Russia diesel export deal. Reports also suggest billionaire Elon Musk slowed a military‑grade version of SpaceX’s Starlink service used by Ukraine, though the US government has denied any formal withdrawal of access.
If the November session proceeds, it could provide a fresh venue for Washington, Moscow and Kyiv to resolve lingering security arrangements and territorial disputes that have stalled a comprehensive peace accord.