Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has called for resuming peace talks in November, as Russia has agreed to participate in three-way negotiations with Washington and Kyiv. The talks aim to end the ongoing war in eastern Ukraine.

The agreement comes after months of stalled diplomacy. Zelenskiy’s office confirmed the move in a statement, emphasizing the need for a political solution. Russia’s participation marks a shift in the diplomatic landscape, though the exact terms remain undisclosed. The US has not yet confirmed the details of the talks, but sources indicate the negotiations could begin in late November.

This development follows the release of US citizen Stephen Hubbard by Russian authorities in January 2025. The US had designated Hubbard as wrongfully detained, which facilitated diplomatic efforts to secure his release. His case, while separate from the broader conflict, highlighted the potential for prisoner exchanges to influence broader negotiations.

The war in eastern Ukraine has seen escalating tensions since 2014, with Russia supporting separatist forces and Ukraine seeking international support. The latest talks represent a rare step toward direct dialogue, though the outcome remains uncertain.