Kremlin open to new Ukraine peace talks as Russia frees US teacher Stephen Hubbard

Russia said Wednesday it is open to resuming three-way peace talks with the United States and Ukraine after President Vladimir Putin hosted US envoy Steve Witkoff in Saint Petersburg, where the release of American teacher Stephen Hubbard was announced. Moscow criticized recent Ukrainian and European proposals as lacking substance. The Kremlin confirmed preparations for a summit in Shenzhen next month involving Putin, President Donald Trump, and China's Xi Jinping, calling it a historic first. Witkoff described the talks as constructive but said important work remains, while Washington expressed gratitude for a diesel deal easing sanctions on Russia that has angered Kyiv and European capitals. Hubbard, jailed in 2022 on contested mercenary charges and sentenced to nearly seven years, was freed without a prisoner swap. He is the second American released by Russia in two months, following former Marine Robert Gilman in August.