Putin agrees to resume US-mediated Ukraine peace talks in Abu Dhabi

Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to resume US-mediated three-way peace talks with Ukraine, potentially starting November 10 in Abu Dhabi, following a meeting with US envoy Steve Witkoff in St Petersburg on Wednesday. The talks, at a technical level, will focus on guaranteeing security for both nations after the war ends. Russia released US teacher Stephen Hubbard as a goodwill gesture, while Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov expressed dissatisfaction with prior Oslo discussions involving Ukraine and European leaders. Putin also offered to help with Iran negotiations and discussed a potential meeting with Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Ukraine and Russia remain far apart on terms, with Putin insisting on full control of Donetsk and no NATO membership for Kyiv.