DNA
MOSCOW, October 21, 2026 – Russia has indicated its readiness to resume trilateral negotiations with the United States and Ukraine, potentially between November 10 and 19, as part of efforts to establish a long-term security framework following the end of the conflict.
Speaking after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s meeting with US President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov said the nearly three-hour discussion was “substantive and frank” and focused on prospects for achieving a lasting and sustainable peace.
According to Ushakov, President Putin praised the mediation efforts of President Trump, the US administration, and American special envoys in seeking mutually acceptable solutions to the conflict. The two sides reportedly discussed in detail the possible resumption of trilateral talks involving representatives of Russia, the United States, and Ukraine.
Ushakov stated that Russia remains prepared, in principle, to restart the negotiations, with the primary objective being the development of a post-conflict security architecture for both Russia and Ukraine. He said Steve Witkoff welcomed the proposal and indicated that President Trump would view such a move positively.
The Kremlin aide also reiterated Moscow’s position that previous plans to resume negotiations were disrupted following large-scale attacks launched by Ukraine after Russia’s State Duma elections. He said the latest discussions reviewed the situation in light of recent communications from Washington.
Ushakov revealed that President Putin asked Witkoff to convey his appreciation to US First Lady Melania Trump for her humanitarian initiatives, particularly efforts aimed at reuniting children with their families and assisting in resolving humanitarian issues in Alyoshki, a town in Russia-controlled Kherson Region.
Beyond Ukraine, the leaders also exchanged views on developments in the Middle East, particularly the situation surrounding Iran. Russia reaffirmed its readiness to assist in finding political and diplomatic solutions to outstanding issues involving Tehran.
The meeting also addressed growing international speculation over a possible first-ever summit involving the leaders of Russia, China, and the United States on the sidelines of the upcoming APEC Summit in Shenzhen, China, scheduled for November.
Ushakov noted that none of the three capitals, Moscow, Washington, or Beijing, has rejected the idea. He added that Chinese authorities, as hosts of the summit, are making preparations and could include such a trilateral meeting in the official program if circumstances prove favorable.
According to Ushakov, Russia has already submitted several practical proposals regarding the agenda and substance of any potential three-way talks, which could mark a significant development in international diplomacy amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
