Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday, October 22, that renewed negotiations to end the war in Ukraine must address long-term security guarantees for both Moscow and Kyiv, as well as Europe’s broader security arrangements, confirming Russia’s willingness to resume U.S.-mediated talks next month.
The announcement followed Putin’s meeting Wednesday with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg, where the two discussed new proposals intended to revive negotiations that have been stalled since February. Putin said Russia was seeking a permanent settlement rather than a temporary ceasefire and maintained that negotiations could produce positive results if Moscow’s security concerns were addressed.
“The goal of these talks will be to guarantee the security of Ukraine and Russia” following a final peace agreement, Putin said, rejecting a short-term cessation of hostilities as an adequate solution.
Putin added that Witkoff had suggested addressing the broader European security architecture, an approach the Russian president said he supported.
Washington Pushes for November Negotiations
The Kremlin confirmed that Putin had agreed in principle to resume trilateral negotiations involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States after November 10. Abu Dhabi has been mentioned as a possible venue, although no final arrangements have been announced.
Witkoff’s visit followed talks Tuesday in Oslo with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, European leaders and NATO representatives. The American envoy presented Moscow with proposals addressing security guarantees, postwar reconstruction and European security arrangements. Washington described the discussions as constructive and said negotiations would continue at the technical level.
Zelensky has expressed readiness to discuss a ceasefire, humanitarian initiatives and an end to the war. Territorial demands remain the principal obstacle. Moscow insists on full control of the Donbas region and opposes Ukrainian NATO membership, while Kyiv rejects surrendering territory.
Putin reiterated Thursday that eastern Ukraine was historically Russian territory, citing the 2022 annexation referendums, which Kyiv and Western governments reject as illegitimate.
Diplomatic Efforts Continue Amid Military Escalation
The latest diplomatic developments follow a difficult week in U.S.-Ukrainian relations.
On October 15, Ukraine resumed attacks on Russian oil infrastructure after accusing Moscow of violating a proposed energy ceasefire. President Donald Trump subsequently criticized Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries, while European leaders reaffirmed their support for Kyiv.
Fighting continued despite Wednesday’s diplomatic meeting. Russia launched a major missile attack on Kyiv Thursday, while Ukraine sent hundreds of drones toward Moscow. Ukrainian authorities reported civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure.
Another dispute concerns Ukraine’s access to SpaceX satellite communications. Trump said Thursday that Elon Musk had restored the service, although reports Friday indicated that restrictions on military-grade communications remained unresolved.
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