US proposes trilateral talks with Russia and Ukraine before October end

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the United States has proposed holding trilateral technical-level talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. before the end of October, as part of renewed American diplomatic efforts to resume peace negotiations. Zelensky said he held direct talks with the U.S. negotiating team on Saturday but did not disclose all preparation details, confirming Ukraine's readiness to participate. The U.S. is currently contacting both sides and may propose a third-country venue, with Kyiv open to any location Washington suggests. The proposal follows visits by U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Kyiv and Moscow. Washington has also pushed for a mutual halt to attacks on energy infrastructure, with Kyiv agreeing conditionally, and talks may cover a Black Sea grain corridor initiative.