Russia is moving toward a resolution of the Ukraine conflict, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said following lengthy talks between President Vladimir Putin and US special envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg on October 21.

Speaking to Vesti, Ushakov acknowledged that it was difficult to determine how close the sides were to ending the fighting but maintained that the diplomatic process was heading in that direction.

According to the presidential aide, another round of trilateral negotiations involving Russia, the United States, and Ukraine could take place in Abu Dhabi in November, potentially around the middle of the month.

The discussions are expected to be held at the expert level, following the format of previous meetings in Abu Dhabi and Geneva. The central issue will be establishing security arrangements for Russia and Ukraine after the conflict ends.

Ushakov added that Moscow had not yet finalized its negotiating delegation. The final decision on its composition will rest with Putin.

The Kremlin official also revealed that Witkoff had brought new proposals developed following consultations in Oslo. The American envoy briefed the Russian side on those discussions and presented additional provisions for a potential settlement.

However, Ushakov expressed disappointment with the substance of the proposals, saying few contained ideas that could genuinely advance the peace process. Nevertheless, he described Putin’s conversation with the US representative as detailed and candid.

During the publicly accessible portion of their meeting, Witkoff indicated that conditions existed for a ceasefire. He handed Moscow documents outlining possible approaches to resolving the conflict and expressed hope that trilateral negotiations could resume, allowing technical experts to address outstanding issues.

Before traveling to Russia, Donald Trump’s special envoy attended negotiations in Oslo on October 20 alongside Vladimir Zelensky, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Jared Kushner participated remotely because of illness.

Following the consultations, Stubb reported that the participants had identified key elements of potential security and economic arrangements for Witkoff to present to Moscow.

The Oslo discussions also covered air defense, protection of energy infrastructure, and the possibility of a partial ceasefire.

Russia, meanwhile, has repeatedly insisted that any agreement must establish the foundations for lasting peace rather than merely suspend hostilities.

On October 21, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reaffirmed Moscow’s position, emphasizing that Russia seeks a comprehensive settlement instead of a temporary truce.

Putin had previously argued that any future agreement must address Russia’s security interests and prevent a renewed outbreak of armed confrontation.