Putin frees US prisoner, signals readiness for Kyiv talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin met US envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg, leading to the release of an American prisoner and a Kremlin claim that Russia is "in principle" ready to resume talks with Kyiv and Washington. The meeting lasted over three hours. Kremlin diplomat Ushakov said negotiations could occur mid-November, possibly in Abu Dhabi, though details remain unclear. The cautious phrasing suggests Russia is keeping its options open, and Ukraine has not yet responded. Russia released 74-year-old Stephen Hubbard, captured in 2022 and accused of fighting as a mercenary, which his lawyers deny. Trump claimed the release was at his request, following his temporary suspension of sanctions against Russia. A diesel shipment to the US was also announced.