Russian officials say Moscow is “ready in principle” to resume three-way peace negotiations with Ukraine and the United States next month, a statement that followed a briefing presidential envoy Steve Witkoff gave Vladimir Putin on the latest U.S. cease-fire proposal.
Witkoff had already cleared that proposal with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other allies during a meeting in Oslo the day before his sitdown with Putin. Zelensky has said he will accept a cease-fire that freezes the current front lines in place, an arrangement that would leave Russia in control of large areas of Ukrainian territory it has occupied during the war.
Despite the statement of willingness to talk, other Russian officials warned that Ukraine must make “necessary decisions” or see its situation grow “worse,” language that suggests the Kremlin has not softened its underlying demands.
Putin has previously signaled openness to negotiations in the past, only to attach conditions amounting to unilateral concessions from Ukraine before any formal talks could proceed. His meeting with Witkoff was notable in part for Witkoff’s own remarks describing Putin as a “humanitarian,” a characterization that drew criticism.
The diplomatic overture comes after President Trump allowed Russia to sell millions of barrels of diesel fuel at market rates, a move that eased the effect of existing sanctions, and after Trump waived newly signed sanctions targeting Moscow.
One concrete development did emerge from the recent diplomacy: the release of American hostage Stephen Hubbard, who was seized by Russian troops in eastern Ukraine at age 70 during the second month of the invasion. Hubbard may visit the White House as soon as next week, though his condition following years in Russian custody, including reported torture and starvation, remains a concern.
Trump has pointed to Hubbard’s release as part of his broader record of securing the freedom of detained Americans. Whether the latest round of diplomacy leads to an actual cease-fire remains uncertain, with critics warning that Russia could instead use the winter months to intensify pressure on Ukrainian civilians.
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