Ukraine, the US, and Russia Plan Technical-Level Talks for Early November

Upcoming Technical Talks Between Ukraine, the US, and Russia

According to ХВИЛЯ: Ukraine, the United States, and Russia have agreed to hold a trilateral meeting involving their respective teams during the first half of November. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine is ready to engage on any day, while the timing ultimately depends on Russia's willingness. The initiative for this technical-level dialogue was introduced by the US and accepted by both Ukraine and Russia following discussions held in Oslo and Saint Petersburg.

On October 21, US representative Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg. Prior to this, Witkoff had also held talks with President Zelensky in Oslo. Zelensky stated,

“We agreed to hold a trilateral meeting-Ukraine, America, and Russia-at the team level, planned for early November. We are prepared to meet any day, even tomorrow. However, it depends on the Russians.”

Significance of the Talks and Next Steps

President Zelensky highlighted the crucial role of these meetings, saying,

“Now, all of us must focus on making sure these talks take place-together with America, Europe, and all our partners. Can these meetings happen without American involvement or pressure on Russia? Probably not. This is why we place great hope on America continuing to prioritize this issue at every level.”

He also stressed the need to move beyond technical discussions toward direct leadership-level negotiations, noting that “key issues can only be resolved at that higher level.” Preparations for the trilateral meeting are ongoing, with all parties anticipating a constructive exchange.

This trilateral dialogue marks a significant moment in the relations between Ukraine, the US, and Russia, especially given the current regional tensions. The technical-level talks could serve as a foundation for subsequent high-level negotiations aimed at addressing urgent matters. According to Zelensky, American participation remains vital to the success of these efforts.

As the upcoming trilateral meeting approaches, the discussions held in Oslo earlier this month have laid important groundwork for addressing security concerns and potential sanctions. The outcomes of these Oslo talks highlight the need for a united front among Ukraine, the US, and its allies, emphasizing the critical role of America's involvement in shaping the dialogue with Russia.