US proposes trilateral Ukraine-Russia talks by end of October

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Sunday that the US wants to hold a trilateral technical-level meeting with Ukraine and Russia by the end of October to discuss ending the four-and-a-half-year war. Zelensky confirmed he spoke with American negotiators on Saturday and that Ukraine is ready to support the proposed timeline. He did not specify a location but said Ukraine is open to the Emirates or another country suggested by the US. Previous US-led peace efforts have stalled as Washington's attention shifted to its war with Iran, and Russia has intensified aerial attacks. The Kremlin said last month it does not rule out three-way talks in October, though earlier rounds have failed to produce tangible progress.