MOSCOW, October 23, 2026: Russia is ready in principle to resume trilateral talks with the United States and Ukraine between November 10 and 19, focusing on establishing a security framework for both Russia and Ukraine after the end of the conflict, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said.Speaking after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s meeting with US President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff on October 21, Ushakov said the discussions were substantive and frank, lasting nearly three hours.
He said the meeting followed Putin’s October 9 telephone conversation with Trump, with both sides continuing their exchange of views on ways to achieve a lasting and sustainable peace.According to Ushakov, Putin praised the mediation efforts of the US administration, President Trump personally and his special envoys in seeking mutually acceptable solutions to the conflict.Ushakov said the possible resumption of trilateral negotiations involving Russia, the United States and Ukraine was discussed in detail. He added that Putin had informed Witkoff of Moscow’s readiness to resume the talks during the November 10–19 period.The Russian president’s proposal focuses on addressing the central issue of establishing a security framework for Russia and Ukraine in the post-conflict period. Witkoff, Ushakov said, indicated that Trump would welcome the decision.
Putin also asked Witkoff to convey his gratitude to US First Lady Melania Trump for her humanitarian efforts, particularly those aimed at reuniting children with their families and helping address the humanitarian situation in Alyoshki, in the Kherson region.Middle East and Iran Also DiscussedThe two sides also exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East, particularly developments concerning Iran. Ushakov said Russia reaffirmed its readiness to continue supporting political and diplomatic efforts to resolve the Iranian issue.Possible Russia-US-China Leaders’ MeetingThe discussions also addressed the possibility of a historic first meeting between the leaders of Russia, China and the United States on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Shenzhen, China, in November.Ushakov said none of the three countries had rejected the idea, adding that China, as the host of the summit, was already making preparations for the possibility.He said the meeting could be included in the Shenzhen summit programme if circumstances proved favourable.
Ushakov added that Russia had put forward several practical proposals concerning the substance of the possible trilateral talks.The Kremlin aide’s remarks outlined Moscow’s stated readiness to resume negotiations with Washington and Kyiv, while also highlighting diplomatic engagement on Iran and the possibility of a high-level meeting among the Russian, Chinese and US leaders.
