Zelensky and Putin, ready to start a new peace negotiation

Ukraine and Russia could soon begin a new negotiation to end a war that has lasted for years. The leaders of both countries have today, Wednesday, shown their willingness to take steps in this direction. Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski has expressed his readiness to agree on a "ceasefire that freezes the current lines ofthe front "as an initial step towards a definitive ceasefire in the conflict.

For his part, Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed tothe US mediation to resume peace negotiations in November.

The US television station Fox News interviewed the Ukrainian leader and asked him if he would accept an agreement that would leave the current borders (with Ukraine holding 75% or more of the territory). "Yes," Zelenski replied. "Right now we need to freeze (the map of Ukraine), I think that's the real way to end this war," he said.

Ukraine has insisted that the key would be to "stop a ceasefire or deaths," and has referred to a proposal by Donald Trump, who said "freeze and stop."  "That is the least we need from Russia," he said, adding that he will then "demand security assurances" from the US president and his European allies.

On possible negotiations without Ukraine's involvement, the Ukrainian President has warned that they must participate. "We are willing to negotiate in any format and on any subject, but please don't talk about us without us," the Ukrainian president said.

Meeting with Witkoff

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin met White House envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg today to discuss possible ways to end the war in Ukraine. Following the meeting, Kremlin International Policy Adviser Yuri Ushakov reported at a press conference that the president agreed to resume negotiations in November , albeit under US mediation.

"The President has informed Witkoff that, in principle, we are ready to resume trialogue negotiations around November 10on the most important issue: the creationof a security system for Russia and Ukraine at the end of the conflict, "Ushakov said.

Trilateral negotiations have stalled since mid-February, when the US launched a military operation in Iran. 

At the St. Petersburg meeting, Witkoff informed Putin of his meeting in Oslo with Zelensky and European representatives. In Ushakov's words, "Putin has heard new attitudes and ideas from Kiev," but "they have not been entirely to his liking."

Other issues have been on the table, such as the tripartite meeting that Russia, the US and China are preparing, the war in Iran, and the agreement to supply Russian diesel to the US.