Russia and Ukraine Agree to Resume Trilateral Peace Talks with US After November 10
Following US Envoy Steve Witkoff's meetings, Russia and Ukraine agreed to restart trilateral talks, though Moscow views current peace proposals as lacking substance amid continued strikes.
The day on the war
Diplomatic efforts saw a tentative step forward as Russia and Ukraine agreed in principle to resume trilateral talks with the United States after November 10. This development follows US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St.
Petersburg on October 21, which came after Witkoff's discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders in Oslo. While Witkoff described his talks with Putin as "constructive," the Kremlin expressed skepticism, with aide Yuri Ushakov stating that the new peace proposals presented by Witkoff lacked "substance." The upcoming trilateral discussions are expected to focus on a post-conflict security framework for Russia and Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed freezing the current front line as an initial step towards peace talks, emphasizing the need for security guarantees from the US and European allies. Despite these diplomatic overtures, intense fighting continued, with missile and drone strikes reported in both Ukraine and Russia overnight into October 22.
Strikes & the grid
Kyiv, Ukraine
What: Missile strikes damaged subway infrastructure on the Southern Bridge over the Dnipro River and wounded 15 people. Another attack on Wednesday evening wounded six people.
Toll: 15 wounded, subway infrastructure damaged
Kharkiv region, Ukraine
What: A Russian strike killed one woman and injured four others.
Toll: 1 killed, 4 injured
Kremenchuk area, Poltava region, Ukraine
What: A drone hit energy infrastructure.
Toll: Undisclosed damage to energy infrastructure
Near Moscow, Russia
What: Ukraine sent 630 drones towards the capital, with most downed at long range; two people were wounded.
Toll: 2 wounded
Lipetsk, Russia
What: Drones hit apartment buildings and a medical facility, injuring one man.
Toll: 1 injured, damage to apartment buildings and medical facility
Diplomacy & talks
US-Russia-Ukraine talks. Following US Envoy Steve Witkoff's meeting with President Putin, Russia agreed in principle to resume trilateral negotiations with Washington and Kyiv after November 10. The talks will focus on building a post-conflict security system.
Ukraine Peace Proposals. The Kremlin stated that new peace proposals presented by US Envoy Witkoff, drafted by Ukrainian and European leaders, lacked "substance." However, Witkoff described the discussions as "constructive."
Ukraine's Peace Stance. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed freezing the front line as a first step toward peace talks, emphasizing the need for security guarantees from allies.
Aid & sanctions
NATO
Measure: Procurement access
Detail: NATO will allow Ukraine to purchase weapons, ammunition, and military equipment through its centralized Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), potentially enabling faster and cheaper defense supplies.
Poland
Measure: Military aid
Detail: Poland's Ministry of National Defence denied reports that it had suspended military aid deliveries to Ukraine, clarifying earlier claims regarding a decision by the Lviv Oblast Council.
What we'll be watching next 72h
- Trilateral talks between the US, Russia, and Ukraine are expected to resume after November 10, focusing on post-war security.
Reporting + analyst voices: grounded via Google Search at publish time.