In brief
On Wednesday night a Russian missile struck several houses in Kyiv, injuring six residents while the city’s mayor confirmed the incident. Moscow stated it is ready in principle to resume talks, a development that coincided with U.S. President’s optimistic remarks on the war’s resolution. Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, met with President Putin in St. Petersburg after a Oslo visit with Ukrainian President Zelensky. The negotiations seek a freeze along the current front line and a future security framework, with a potential Abu Dhabi summit on the horizon. Meanwhile, U.S. political backlash grows over alleged intelligence delays and the release of American citizen Stephen Hubbard by Russia.
Missiles hit Kyiv as U.S.-Russian talks resume
Kyiv suffered a new missile strike on Wednesday night, with several houses hit and six people injured, according to Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko.
The attack took place as Moscow signalled it was ready in principle to resume peace talks, while the U.S. president said the world is the closest it has been to ending the war. The remarks followed a vigorous diplomatic effort led by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Witkoff met with President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg after a conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Oslo. The meeting – which lasted roughly three hours – was described by Witkoff as constructive, though no concrete proposals emerged.
Three‑way talks halted in February, after which Russia stepped up attacks once Ukraine’s supply of Western‑made interceptors ran low. The new dialogue aims to freeze hostilities along the existing front line and lay the groundwork for a security framework that meets Ukraine’s needs.
Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov hinted at a follow‑up summit in Abu Dhabi on around 10 November, emphasizing the need for a post‑war security system for both sides. Ukrainian officials, however, remain sceptical of Russia’s claims of a strategic initiative.
The U.S. administration faces criticism for releasing Stephen Hubbard, a 74‑year‑old American freed after a Russian release, just ahead of the talks. Trump praised the release, while critics argue he has yet to deliver real progress on ending the conflict.
U.S. lawmakers have questioned the country’s intelligence sharing and sanctions regime, citing alleged delays that have caused civilian casualties in Kyiv. Deputy Secretary of State Marco Rubio has defended the intelligence flow, noting it now works smoothly for Ukraine.
As the diplomatic flare grows, Ukrainian officials warn that any compromise must ensure a comprehensive ceasefire and secure guarantees, reflecting a cautious yet hopeful tone from the front lines.
