Full Breakdown
Kremlin Aide Ushakov Calls for European Inclusion as Russia Prepares to Resume Ukraine Trilateral Talks
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Core Development: Russia Signals Readiness for Mid-November Trilateral Negotiations
Ushakov said Russia would be ready to restart three-way talks with Ukraine and the United States after Russia’s National Unity Day on Nov 4. The interview also referenced the 2025 Anchorage meeting between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, noting that U.S. pressure on Kyiv had not produced a deal.
Background & Context
Since the 2022 invasion, the United States has pursued a “U.S.–led” peace track, sending special envoy Steve Witkoff to meet both Kyiv and Moscow. In late October, Witkoff held a three-hour meeting with Putin in St Petersburg after talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Oslo. The Kremlin has dismissed recent Ukrainian and European proposals as lacking “substance,” while Trump has claimed the talks represent “the closest we’ve been” to ending the war.
Timeline
- 2025 – Anchorage summit between Trump and Putin (referenced by Ushakov).
- Sept 23 2026 – Zelenskyy addresses the 81st UN General Assembly.
- Oct 21 2026 – Photo released of Putin, Ushakov and Witkoff together in St Petersburg.
- Nov 4 – Russia’s National Unity Day; Ushakov says talks can resume after this date.
- Nov 18-19 – Proposed summit of Putin, Trump and China’s Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the APEC summit.
Official Statements & Responses
Ushakov emphasized Europe’s “crucial” position could shape any peace settlement and that Russia would be “in principle, ready to resume” talks in mid-November, focusing on post-war security.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy reiterated Kyiv’s support for resuming trilateral talks as soon as possible, stating that the American side is proposing to organise the meeting promptly.
Data & Statistics
- Russian strikes in Kyiv wounded 15 people and damaged subway infrastructure on the Southern Bridge over the Dnipro River.
- Earlier attacks wounded 6 people in Kyiv and killed a woman while injuring four in the Kharkiv region, according to governor Oleh Syniehubov.
- Near Moscow, 2 people were wounded after 630 drones were intercepted, with 160+ drones reportedly heading toward the capital.
Why It Matters
The Kremlin’s call for broader European involvement and the scheduled mid-November restart of trilateral talks come as U.S. midterm elections approach, potentially influencing American diplomatic leverage. The upcoming APEC-linked summit could provide a venue for a high-level meeting of Putin, Trump and China’s Xi Jinping, a development Moscow hopes will shape a settlement without direct Ukrainian participation.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The Kremlin described recent Ukrainian and European proposals as lacking “substance,” while U.S. envoy Witkoff called his meeting with Putin “constructive.”
- Ukrainian officials have condemned Russian strikes as “appeasement, servility and flattery,” contrasting with Russian statements that the talks are a step toward post-war security.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Before, it seemed after Anchorage that the US administration might be able to dictate something and force Kyiv to comply. But so far, this hasn't really worked out,” — Yuri Ushakov
- “The next deadline is now Nov. 4, our major holiday. After that, we will be ready to resume negotiations,” — Yuri Ushakov