US President Donald Trump has announced progress in resolving the situation in Ukraine. According to the head of the White House, he expects to hold meetings with Vladimir Putin and Vladimir Zelensky in the near future.
A day earlier, the Russian leader held telephone talks with Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store. The topic of the conversation was the recent talks in Oslo, as well as the trip of the White House special envoy Steve Witkoff to St Petersburg.
Putin, in particular, told his interlocutors about the humanitarian operation in Aleshki and the introduction of a silence regime in that area. He stressed that a long-term peace is achievable only with full consideration of Russia's legitimate interests. In addition, the head of state pointed to the confrontational policy of the EU and NATO countries, which is leading to a prolongation of the fighting.
After this conversation, Stubb and Store called Zelensky. A week ago, all three, as well as Witkoff and US President's son-in-law Jared Kushner, held talks in Oslo on a peaceful settlement.
The next day, Trump's special envoy went to St Petersburg, where he was received by Putin. The president informed the diplomat of Russia's readiness to resume consultations in a trilateral format with the participation of the US and Ukraine. The meeting may take place in the UAE in the first half of November.