US envoy reports progress toward three-way Ukraine peace talks

A top US envoy reported progress in weekend discussions with Ukraine and Russia, raising the possibility of reviving three-way peace talks to end Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff announced "substantive progress" on scheduling additional trilateral talks. Witkoff and Jared Kushner traveled to Russia and Ukraine, making their first official trip to Kyiv. A senior Ukrainian official said the envoys brought new proposals, though President Volodymyr Zelensky warned fighting could continue into winter. The Kremlin did not rule out three-way talks but said it was too early to discuss details. Negotiators last met for US-mediated talks in Geneva in February without agreement. The conflict, which began with Russia's 2022 invasion, has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced millions. UN rights chief Volker Turk separately called for a ban on fully autonomous drones following reports of their use in Ukraine.