Russia signals readiness to resume trilateral talks as Putin meets with US envoy

The Russian president told Steve Witkoff that Moscow was generally ready to resume talks around November 10, Kremlin Aide Yury Ushakov said
Russia negotiating visa-free travel with Bahrain, Kuwait — senior diplomat

Georgy Borisenko noted that a visa-free regime is already in effect with Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE
Conflict in Ukraine now closer to ending than ever before, Trump says

The US president pointed out that he had discussed ways to end the conflict with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin
IN BRIEF: MFA comments on readying for G20 ministers’ meet, 'insatiable monster’s' gamble

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted that Vladimir Zelensky, deliberately speculating on the EU migration problems, turned to outright threats
US envoy describes meeting with Putin as constructive

Steve Witkoff added that the discussions will continue with trilateral talks between the United States, Russia, and Ukraine
Russian forces strike logistics center in Rovno used by Ukrainian army

Another strike hit a dry cargo ship at sea carrying military supplies for the Ukrainian army to the Chernomorsk port
Liberation of Yulyevka continues Russian paratroopers’ glorious traditions — defense chief

Andrey Belousov thanked the paratroopers’ Guards formations for the successful fulfilment of combat missions and their devotion to military duty
FACTBOX: State Duma confirms five government appointments

Dmitry Yadrov was confirmed by the State Duma as Minister of Transport
New round of trilateral talks on Ukraine could take place in Abu Dhabi — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov said the date around the middle of November was agreed upon
Putin says Russia ready to resume trilateral talks in November — aide

Yury Ushakov specified that it is about building a security system for Russia and Ukraine
Iran has unparalleled leverage over Strait of Hormuz — Iranian top diplomat

Abbas Araghchi noted that despite the hype about alternative routes, the waterway is irreplaceable for both the region and the world economy
Western efforts against Russia, role of emigres: Shoigu’s statements

According to the Secretary of the Russian Security Council, Western countries are deploying all available "levers of destructive activity" against Russia
Witkoff’s proposals, possibility of trilateral meeting: Kremlin's statements

It is "theoretically possible" to take a significant step forward in the settlement, Dmitry Peskov said
FACTBOX: Release of American citizen Stephen Hubbard convicted in Russia

Stephen Hubbard was convicted in Russia for taking part in combat operations alongside Ukrainian forces
Press Review
- Press review: Putin-Trump-Xi summit prospects rise as Witkoff met Zelensky in OsloTop stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, October 21st
- Press review: Russia reshuffles government as NATO moves to escalate Black Sea tensionsTop stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, October 20th
- Press review: Trump seeks Ukraine talks revival as French unions join nationwide protestsTop stories from the Russian press on Monday, October 19th
- Press review: Russian asset grab back on EU agenda and Starlink or no, Ukraine to fight onTop stories from the Russian press on Friday, October 16th
- Press review: Ukraine, EU push peace away and US blacks out Kiev's missile sightTop stories from the Russian press on Thursday, October 15th
Press releases
- 15th Anniversary Season of the International Eventiada Awards 2026 is Now Open
- 2025 Eventiada Awards Opens for Entries in All Languages
- Submission of applications for the Eventiada Awards will last until September 30
- Ak Bars Finance is renamed as AKBFThe rebranding is related to the change of the shareholder
- New leadership navigates China on right courseSenior officials have strong expertise, rich local-level experience, analysts say
Putin-Witkoff meeting wraps up, Kremlin tells TASS

The Russian president and the US special presidential envoy discussed the Ukrainian settlement and other issues, as well as a potential meeting between the Russian and US leaders in China
Russian troops liberate two communities in Zaporozhye Region over past day — top brass

Battlegroup East units liberated the settlement of Chervony Yar and Battlegroup Dnepr units - the settlement of Yulyevka
Ukraine ready for peace deal involving loss of territory — Zelensky

Vladimir Zelensky said this is a real way to end the war
First diesel shipment to US and timeline for restoring export volumes: statements by Novak

The deputy prime minister emphasized that Russia could fully restore its diesel export volumes by the end of this year
Putin intends to discuss with Witkoff potential meeting with Trump in China

The Russian president said that he would like to share his thoughts with the US special presidential envoy
Press review: Putin-Trump-Xi summit prospects rise as Witkoff met Zelensky in Oslo

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, October 21st
Mishustin, Li Qiang sign joint communique following meeting of Russian, Chinese premiers

Two rounds of talks were held at the Boris Yeltsin Presidential Library in central St. Petersburg
Putin begins meeting with US special envoy Steve Witkoff — TASS correspondent

The meeting is taking place in the Konstantinovsky Palace in St. Petersburg
Putin-Witkoff talks to focus on Ukraine, Kremlin aide says

The recent talks on settling the Ukrainian conflict did not involve Zelensky; Moscow did not have any contact with him, Yury Ushakov said
Rubio expects Lavrov to take part in G20 top diplomats’ summit in Atlanta in October

According to the US State Secretary, the Russian side will participate in the meeting in any case
Putin to receive US special envoy Witkoff today — Kremlin aide

The meeting is scheduled for the first half of the day
Witkoff en route to St. Petersburg, Rubio says — Reuters

No further details were provided
Media from unfriendly countries to attend Putin’s annual press conference — Kremlin

This year, the president’s annual year-end press conference will once again be combined with the Direct Line call-in show
US national debt grows by nearly $400 billion in two months

US sovereign debt currently stands at nearly $40.4 trillion
Russian MFA spokeswoman likens EU plans for anti-Russian sanctions to cactus-eating mice

Earlier, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the European Commission wanted to include new restrictions on Russian oil in the 22nd sanctions package, despite Europe’s energy crisis
Russian prime minister to meet with Chinese counterpart in St. Petersburg

Following the meeting, the premiers are expected to sign a joint communiqué and other documents