Russia has communicated its readiness to resume trilateral negotiations with the US and Ukraine concerning a permanent settlement to the war. Trump envoy Steve Witkoff met with President Putin in St. Petersburg to discuss this possibility. The Kremlin described the atmosphere as productive, though no immediate breakthroughs were announced. A potential follow-up meeting is planned, possibly in Abu Dhabi, around November 10th. The focus of these talks would be establishing a security system for Russia and Ukraine. Russian officials cited Ukraine's drone strikes as a past derailment factor. They also noted a shift in Washington's stance, leading to a re-evaluation of Moscow's own position. This development follows a diesel deal between Trump and Putin and the US waiving certain sanctions. Subsequently, an American held in Russia, Stephen Hubbard, was released. Trump hailed Hubbard's return, stating the US gave nothing in return. This appears to be a conciliatory gesture from Russia towards Trump.