Kyiv:Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine is in favor of a US initiative to conduct trilateral negotiations with Russia at the earliest opportunity. This statement follows signals from the Kremlin indicating its willingness to resume discussions.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Zelenskyy informed journalists that feedback was received from Washington regarding the outcomes of recent discussions held in St. Petersburg between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Zelenskyy confirmed that Russia has expressed support for a trilateral meeting involving their teams, with the US advocating for it to happen promptly.

The agenda for these proposed talks aims to end the conflict, advance peace, and prepare for a high-level leadership meeting. Zelenskyy highlighted the importance of the US's commitment to expedite the meeting process. He anticipates the meeting will occur by early November, with Ukraine's negotiation team ready to support initiatives for a ceasefire and humanitarian efforts, including prisoner swaps.

In a prior meeting in St. Petersburg, Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov relayed Putin's willingness to resume trilateral peace negotiations around November 10. The discussions included building a post-war 'security system' for Moscow and Kyiv. Furthermore, US Envoy Witkoff, along with Jared Kushner, conducted discussions in Oslo and St. Petersburg, signaling ongoing preparations for technical-level trilateral talks.

Previous US-mediated negotiations between Russia and Ukraine took place earlier this year with rounds held in Abu Dhabi and Geneva.