US proposes trilateral Ukraine-Russia talks by end of October

The United States has proposed a trilateral technical-level meeting between Ukraine and Russia by the end of October, with Kyiv confirming its readiness to participate, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy announced the proposal during a joint press conference in Kyiv with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, stating he confirmed Ukraine's preparedness the previous day. He said Ukraine is open to holding talks in the United Arab Emirates or another location suggested by Washington, and is awaiting Moscow's response. The proposed meeting would resume the trilateral format last used in Geneva on February 26, 2026, following two earlier rounds in Abu Dhabi. The process stalled after that session, with a planned March round postponed due to the US-Israeli operation against Iran.