From Foreign Policy · Alexandra Sharp · · 1m 50s
Witkoff Pushes Putin to Restart Peace Talks
U.S. envoy Witkoff urges Putin to restart Ukraine peace talks as Russia agrees to resume negotiations next month.
In brief
U.S. envoy Witkoff urges Putin to restart Ukraine peace talks as Russia agrees to resume negotiations next month. Russia agreed to restart U.S.-mediated Ukraine peace talks next month but refused to compromise on key demands including control of Donetsk region. Originally reported by Foreign Policy.
Witkoff Meets Putin in St. Petersburg
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg on October 21, 2026.
Putin Agrees to Resume Talks
Russia confirmed Putin agreed to restart U.S.-mediated Ukraine peace talks as soon as next month.
Putin Refuses Key Compromises
Russia refused to compromise on key demands including full control of occupied Donetsk region and halting Ukraine’s NATO ambitions.
Trump's Stance on Ukraine
Trump expressed doubt that Zelensky wants to end the conflict, warning it would worsen for Ukraine if no deal is made.
Zelensky's Response
Zelensky agreed to freeze Ukraine’s military front line while reiterating calls for a cease-fire.
Ukraine Strikes Russian Infrastructure
Ukraine doubled down on strikes against Russian energy infrastructure after Moscow targeted Kyiv’s power grid.
Trump Administration Views
The Trump administration called Witkoff’s meetings with Putin and Zelensky 'constructive' despite Ukraine’s ongoing attacks.
Putin's Humanitarian Flattery
Witkoff praised Putin as a humanitarian, noting his release of a U.S. citizen detained since 2022.
Russia's Conditions for Talks
Russia insists on a peace deal without a prior cease-fire and full control of Donetsk region.
Ukraine's Military Actions
Ukraine continued strikes on Russian oil refineries after Moscow targeted Kyiv’s power grid.
Trump's Energy Policy Shift
Trump praised the UK’s North Sea gas project as 'one of the greatest and most prosperous areas of OIL in the World' on Truth Social.
The headline
Russia agreed to restart U.S.-mediated Ukraine peace talks next month but refused to compromise on key demands including control of Donetsk region.
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