Trump-Backed Peace Talks Begin Between U.S., Russia, and Ukraine
U.S. envoys meet with Putin to advance trilateral peace talks as American detainee is released.
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Washington — U.S. envoys have initiated trilateral peace talks between the United States, Russia, and Ukraine, as part of President Donald Trump’s efforts to end the war. A White House official confirmed the proposal was accepted by both Russia and Ukraine, marking a significant step toward a potential peace agreement.
Meetings Advance Peace Negotiations
Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg on Wednesday to advance the talks. Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev and foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov were also present at the meeting. The discussions covered a range of topics, including a post-war economic and prosperity plan, European security architecture, and plans for the upcoming trilateral meeting.
Ushakov told reporters that Putin had agreed to return to trilateral negotiations with the United States and Ukraine, with talks set to resume “in principle” after November 10. The White House official emphasized that the discussions reflected a positive and constructive spirit, with strong cooperation among the parties and a shared determination to achieve a comprehensive and durable peace.
American Detainee Released
During the meeting, Witkoff and Kushner also thanked Putin for releasing Stephen Hubbard, an American citizen, Air Force veteran, and retired teacher who had been held in Russia for over four years on mercenary charges. Trump announced Wednesday that Putin had agreed to release Hubbard — the last American officially designated as wrongfully detained by Russia, and the third American prisoner released by the country during Trump’s second term.
Hubbard spoke with Trump by phone while traveling home, the White House official said. During the call, the president reiterated his commitment to bringing home Americans wrongfully detained abroad. Trump also noted that the United States, out of respect for his leadership, was not required to give anything in return — an unprecedented situation for Russia.
“Stephen was taken four years ago by Russia during the Biden Administration, was just released from prison, at the request of President Donald J. Trump, made directly to President Vladimir Putin in a telephone conversation last week,” Trump said. “Stephen is on his way back home and will soon be with his family.”
Source: Daily Wire
