Zelenskiy is in talks with Russia and the U.S. wants progress on the road to peace #Live

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Sunday that he aims to achieve diplomatic progress toward peace during upcoming trilateral talks involving Ukraine, Russia, and the United States. Speaking in an interview with Ukrainian television, Zelensky expressed confidence that negotiations could yield results, saying, "The main thing is that we make progress through diplomacy... God willing, this will succeed for Ukraine." He indicated that Kyiv intends to raise several key issues at the meeting, including a potential cessation of attacks on energy infrastructure and a ceasefire in the Black Sea region. The president emphasized his desire for European nations to participate in the dialogue. Zelensky stated that these discussions should lead to a high-level summit involving himself, US President Donald Trump, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. He argued that only direct conversations among the three heads of state can resolve the critical obstacles that have previously prevented the signing of a peace agreement. According to reporting by the German news agency DPA, Ukraine plans to highlight multiple pivotal topics during the November sessions, specifically focusing on halting strikes against energy grids and establishing a maritime truce. Peace negotiations regarding the war in Ukraine, mediated by the United States, last took place in February before the US and Israel initiated military action against Iran. To revitalize these efforts, American special envoy Steve Witkoff held separate meetings with both Zelensky and Putin earlier this week. Following these engagements, the Kremlin announced its readiness to resume trilateral talks. Sources indicate that post-war security guarantees will be the primary subject of discussion, with the meetings scheduled for the first half of November in Abu Dhabi. In a related statement made on Wednesday, Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine supports the US proposal for trilateral negotiations at the negotiator level. He noted that after Witkoff held talks with Putin in Saint Petersburg, Kyiv received feedback indicating that Moscow supports such a meeting. Zelensky added that the US side proposed holding the gathering as soon as possible, and Ukraine endorses this timeline, aiming for the start of November. He reiterated that Kyiv backs all proposals for ceasefires, ending the war, stopping attacks on energy infrastructure, and humanitarian initiatives. Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov commented on the need for broader engagement in an interview with the Vesti news program, cited by Interfax. Ushakov stated that it is insufficient to speak only with Kyiv; instead, dialogue must include all of Europe, which fully supports Ukraine. He suggested that Europe's position might be fundamental to the process. Meanwhile, La Stampa reported that Zelensky clarified that territorial questions, considered one of the main hurdles to an accord, must be addressed directly by the leaders of the three countries. Other matters fall under the competence of technical groups and can be discussed in November. Despite the diplomatic push, hostilities continue. On Wednesday evening, Kyiv came under attack from Russian ballistic missiles, according to Mayor Vitaly Klitschko, who posted the update on Telegram. This incident underscores the ongoing volatility even as diplomatic channels reopen. Zelensky has maintained that previous attempts at resolution were blocked by unresolved core issues. He believes that a tripartite summit would provide the necessary political weight to overcome these deadlocks. However, Putin has historically categorically refused to meet with Zelensky. The current diplomatic track involves government delegations rather than immediate head-of-state summits, though Zelensky views the latter as the ultimate goal. The timing of the new talks coincides with renewed international attention on the conflict. Witkoff’s recent shuttle diplomacy between Kyiv and Moscow appears to have unlocked a stalemate that persisted since early in the year. Both sides have signaled flexibility on procedural aspects, agreeing to meet in the Gulf state of Abu Dhabi. While specific agendas remain confidential, the focus on energy infrastructure protection suggests practical steps to reduce civilian suffering and economic damage. European officials have been kept informed of the developments, aligning with Zelensky’s call for their inclusion. The involvement of Europe is seen as crucial for ensuring any eventual agreement has broad international backing and enforcement mechanisms. As the November deadline approaches, diplomatic teams are finalizing logistics and preliminary talking points. The success of these initial trilateral sessions will likely determine whether a higher-level summit becomes feasible in the coming months. For now, the focus remains on securing tangible de-escalation measures while broader political solutions are negotiated.