Putin and Zelensky Open to Negotiations as Ukraine Considers Freezing Front Lines

Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to resume peace negotiations with Ukraine in November, mediated by the US, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signaled willingness to accept a ceasefire that freezes current front lines. Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov said Putin informed US envoy Steve Witkoff of readiness to restart tripartite talks around November 10, focusing on a security system for both countries post-conflict. Zelensky told Fox News he would accept an agreement maintaining current lines, with Ukraine retaining 75% or more of its territory, while insisting on security guarantees from the US and allies. Witkoff briefed Putin on consultations with Zelensky and European representatives in Oslo. Putin heard the consensus positions from Kyiv and Europeans, though Ushakov noted "there wasn't much useful" in them. Zelensky reiterated readiness to negotiate in any format but stressed Ukraine must be present in discussions.