Ushakov says talks with Witkoff move Russia closer to ending Ukraine war

Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said on Wednesday, October 21, that "things are moving" toward an end to the war in Ukraine, following talks between Vladimir Putin and US envoy Steve Witkoff. Ushakov, responding to a question about prospects for ending the conflict, said he did not know how close the sides are but that the process is progressing. His remarks came after Witkoff met with Putin at the Konstantinovsky Palace in St. Petersburg, where he presented documents outlining approaches to ending the war. The statements contrast with earlier assessments from Ukrainian officials. In September, Kyiv's military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov said a ceasefire was unlikely before spring 2027, predicting a Russian winter offensive. The New York Times reported in early October that Ukraine showed European partners intercepted Russian plans to strike power infrastructure, including attacks on substations connecting nuclear plants.