Russia strikes Kyiv after agreeing to resume Ukraine peace talks — SkimNews
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- Russia launched missile strikes on Kyiv hours after signaling it was "ready in principle" to resume peace talks, injuring six people and damaging residential buildings.
- Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff met Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg to discuss ending the war, following talks with Ukraine's Zelensky and Nordic leaders, describing the discussions as "constructive".
- Vladimir Putin reiterated to Witkoff that Russian forces hold the "strategic initiative" across the front lines, a claim disputed by Ukraine and its European allies.
- U.S. Vice-President JD Vance defended Witkoff's description of Putin as a "humanitarian" for releasing American citizen Stephen Hubbard, saying diplomacy requires tact even with adversaries.
- Zelensky said he would accept a ceasefire freezing the war along current lines, calling it a "stop killings" deal, while emphasizing the need for future security guarantees.
- Russia's Ushakov suggested new trilateral talks could occur around November 10 in Abu Dhabi, insisting they must focus on building a post-war security system for both Russia and Ukraine.
Why it matters: The resumption of diplomatic talks coincides with intensified Russian attacks and U.S. pressure on Ukraine to accept a ceasefire, shifting leverage toward Moscow while raising risks for Kyiv’s access to intelligence, weapons, and political support from Washington. This dynamic increases Ukraine’s exposure on the battlefield and at the negotiating table.
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