<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (Oct 22) took a swipe at US envoy Steve Witkoff for hailing Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “humanitarian” after Moscow launched ballistic missiles at Kyiv. Zelensky accused Russia of striking Kyiv with ballistic missiles just hours after peace talks between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin.</p><h2><strong>Kyiv hit hours after peace talks</strong></h2><p>In a post on X, Zelensky said Russia had launched three waves of ballistic missiles at Kyiv since Wednesday evening, with 21 missiles used in the attack. Two people were killed and 34 injured across Ukraine, including five children, he said.</p><p>“Three waves of ballistic missiles have been launched at Kyiv by Russian ‘humanitarians’ since yesterday evening. They used 21 missiles,” Zelensky said.</p><p>“Unfortunately, numerous sites across the city have been hit and damaged,” he added, listing residential buildings, energy facilities, railway infrastructure, metro facilities, shopping malls and businesses among the affected sites. A monastery was also damaged, he added.</p><p>The strikes followed hours-long talks between Witkoff and Putin in Saint Petersburg. Zelensky said the timing showed Moscow had not changed its approach to the war despite renewed diplomatic efforts.</p><p>“Almost immediately after another round of talks, Russia launched a pointed attack,” he said. “This means there has been no real change in its attitude toward everything that is happening.”</p><p>Zelensky called for stronger air defences, faster missile deliveries and sanctions against Russia, arguing that Moscow needed to face greater pressure to end the killing.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Three waves of ballistic missiles have been launched at Kyiv by Russian “humanitarians” since yesterday evening. They used 21 missiles. Unfortunately, numerous sites across the city have been hit and damaged: ordinary residential buildings, energy facilities, infrastructure at one of the railway stations and the metro, shopping malls, and businesses. Even a monastery is among the damaged sites. Our emergency services are working at all the affected locations. Twelve of our regions came under Russian attack overnight. In Kyiv and across the regions, 34 people were injured, including five children. As of now, two people have been confirmed killed. My condolences to their families and loved ones.

Almost immediately after another round of talks, Russia launched a pointed attack. This means there has been no real change in its attitude toward everything that is happening. It is important to keep trying to find the right solutions to end this war. But when Russia responds to negotiations with ballistic missiles, real pressure on Russia is needed to bring about different steps – steps toward ending the killing. Stronger air defenses and the rapid delivery of missiles, the ability to destroy ballistic missile launchers, sanctions over the war – all of this must be in place. I am grateful to everyone who sees the situation for what it is and acknowledges the reality. The aggressor deserves to be treated accordingly. Ukraine deserves support. People's lives deserve protection. Thank you to everyone who stands with Ukraine!</p>&mdash; Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/2113173153807569079?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2026</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>More attacks as hopes for a breakthrough fade</strong></h2><p>The violence was not confined to the capital. In the eastern city of Lozova, two women aged 50 and 60 were killed in an attack on a crowded market, while several others were wounded. Ukraine also ordered families and children to evacuate frontline towns including Kramatorsk and Sloviansk after a series of deadly attacks.</p><p>The Kremlin has said it is willing to resume trilateral talks with Ukraine and the US next month, but rejected proposals developed by Witkoff with European countries and Ukraine. Russia continues to demand Ukrainian withdrawal from parts of the eastern Donetsk region it still controls, alongside restrictions on Kyiv’s military and Western alliances. Ukraine has rejected those demands.</p><p>US President Donald Trump struck a more optimistic note on Wednesday, saying negotiators were “maybe now the closest we’ve been” to ending the war. Witkoff described his meeting with Putin as “constructive”, while acknowledging that important work remained.</p><p>Zelensky, meanwhile, warned that Russia was taking advantage of slower air-defence supplies from Ukraine’s partners. “Stronger air defenses and the rapid delivery of missiles, the ability to destroy ballistic missile launchers, sanctions over the war – all of this must be in place,” he wrote, urging allies to step up support for Ukraine.</p>

Zelensky mocked Steve Witkoff’s praise of Putin as a “humanitarian” after Russia fired 21 ballistic missiles at Kyiv, killing two people and injuring dozens across Ukraine, including five children.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (Oct 22) took a swipe at US envoy Steve Witkoff for hailing Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “humanitarian” after Moscow launched ballistic missiles at Kyiv. Zelensky accused Russia of striking Kyiv with ballistic missiles just hours after peace talks between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin. Kyiv hit hours after peace talks In a post on X, Zelensky said Russia had launched three waves of ballistic missiles at Kyiv since Wednesday evening, with 21 missiles used in the attack. Two people were killed and 34 injured across Ukraine, including five children, he said. “Three waves of ballistic missiles have been launched at Kyiv by Russian ‘humanitarians’ since yesterday evening. They used 21 missiles,” Zelensky said. “Unfortunately, numerous sites across the city have been hit and damaged,” he added, listing residential buildings, energy facilities, railway infrastructure, metro facilities, shopping malls and businesses among the affected sites. A monastery was also damaged, he added. The strikes followed hours-long talks between Witkoff and Putin in Saint Petersburg. Zelensky said the timing showed Moscow had not changed its approach to the war despite renewed diplomatic efforts. “Almost immediately after another round of talks, Russia launched a pointed attack,” he said. “This means there has been no real change in its attitude toward everything that is happening.” Zelensky called for stronger air defences, faster missile deliveries and sanctions against Russia, arguing that Moscow needed to face greater pressure to end the killing.

<p>Zelensky mocked Steve Witkoff’s praise of Putin as a “humanitarian” after Russia fired 21 ballistic missiles at Kyiv, killing two people and injuring dozens across Ukraine, including five children.</p>

‘Russian humanitarians’ fired missiles at Kyiv: Zelensky takes swipe at Witkoff over Putin praise

<p>Russia is preparing to send its first diesel shipment to the United States on Thursday (Oct 22), marking a fresh development in energy ties between Moscow and Washington. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said the tanker would carry 40,000 metric tonnes of fuel, with the paperwork for the delivery nearing completion. The announcement follows an agreement between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump to resume diesel supplies to international markets. The deal comes amid strained relations between Washington and Kyiv.</p><h2><strong>First shipment marks start of wider supplies</strong></h2><p>Novak said the Thursday shipment would be followed by additional deliveries, although he did not disclose the port from which the tanker would depart.</p><p>“Additional shipments will follow, of course. There were agreements reached between the two leaders. We will meet the United States' needs, to the extent of our capabilities,” RIA news agency quoted Novak as saying.</p><p>Trump has outlined a much larger supply plan, saying Russia would initially export 300,000 metric tons of diesel, equivalent to around 2.25 million barrels. He also announced plans for 500,000 tons in November, followed by another 1 million tons “immediately thereafter”.</p><p>The proposed volumes are significant, given that the US exports approximately 1.5 million barrels of diesel every day.</p><h2><strong>Export restrictions lifted after refinery attacks</strong></h2><p>Moscow had imposed a self-directed ban on diesel exports to address domestic shortages caused by Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries. The restrictions were lifted on October 9 following the agreement with Trump.</p><p>Putin discussed the arrangement with US special envoy Steve Witkoff during talks in St Petersburg on Wednesday. Witkoff thanked the Russian leader for lifting the restrictions, while Putin said the agreement had contributed to a 5-6 per cent decline in global diesel prices.</p><p>“That’s an example of us working together, I want to thank you for that,” Witkoff said in televised comments.</p><p>Putin also said Russia was preparing several tankers for successive deliveries, adding that the financial arrangements needed to be in place.</p><p>Beyond diesel, Moscow has indicated it could supply the US with fertilisers in “large quantities”, suggesting the agreement could extend into other areas of trade.</p>

Russia will send its first 40,000-tonne diesel shipment to the US on Thursday under a Putin-Trump deal, with more deliveries planned as Moscow expands energy supplies to global markets.

Russia is preparing to send its first diesel shipment to the United States on Thursday (Oct 22), marking a fresh development in energy ties between Moscow and Washington. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said the tanker would carry 40,000 metric tonnes of fuel, with the paperwork for the delivery nearing completion. The announcement follows an agreement between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump to resume diesel supplies to international markets. The deal comes amid strained relations between Washington and Kyiv. First shipment marks start of wider supplies Novak said the Thursday shipment would be followed by additional deliveries, although he did not disclose the port from which the tanker would depart. “Additional shipments will follow, of course. There were agreements reached between the two leaders. We will meet the United States' needs, to the extent of our capabilities,” RIA news agency quoted Novak as saying. Trump has outlined a much larger supply plan, saying Russia would initially export 300,000 metric tons of diesel, equivalent to around 2.25 million barrels. He also announced plans for 500,000 tons in November, followed by another 1 million tons “immediately thereafter”. The proposed volumes are significant, given that the US exports approximately 1.5 million barrels of diesel every day. Export restrictions lifted after refinery attacks Moscow had imposed a self-directed ban on diesel exports to address domestic shortages caused by Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries. The restrictions were lifted on October 9 following the agreement with Trump. Putin discussed the arrangement with US special envoy Steve Witkoff during talks in St Petersburg on Wednesday. Witkoff thanked the Russian leader for lifting the restrictions, while Putin said the agreement had contributed to a 5-6 per cent decline in global diesel prices. “That’s an example of us working together, I want to thank you for that,” Witkoff said in televised comments. Putin also said Russia was preparing several tankers for successive deliveries, adding that the financial arrangements needed to be in place. Beyond diesel, Moscow has indicated it could supply the US with fertilisers in “large quantities”, suggesting the agreement could extend into other areas of trade.

<p>Russia will send its first 40,000-tonne diesel shipment to the US on Thursday under a Putin-Trump deal, with more deliveries planned as Moscow expands energy supplies to global markets.</p>

Russia to send first tanker carrying 40,000 tonnes diesel to US after Trump-Putin deal – What we know

<p>US-Russia talks on ending the war in Ukraine will involve a multibillion-dollar oil deal for international assets such as oil fields, refineries and gas stations around the world owned by one of Russia's biggest energy companies, Lukoil, reported the US-based newspaper New York Times.&nbsp;</p><p>The deal is contingent on the approval of the US and Russian governments. The deal was raised by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a September 5 meeting at the Kremlin with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. He framed the asset sale as a way to show that Russian and US businesses could resume working together. According to the NYT, this deal is the latest attempt by US President Donald Trump to end the Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp;</p><h2>Who else is in the deal?</h2><p>The leading group seeking Lukoil's assets includes American investors and Trump donor Todd Boehly, two Gulf groups related to Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and the US government.&nbsp;</p><p>Todd Boehly, a billionaire co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, donated $1 million to Trump-aligned MAGA Inc. and Trump’s inauguration. He also fronted the consortium that bought Chelsea Football Club from Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich. The $5.2 billion takeover was officially completed in May 2022.</p><p>Qatar-based Al-Khayyat Brothers, Moutaz and Ramez Al-Khayyat, are also part of the deal. They have attended Trump's inauguration in 2025. They, along with Kushner and Ivanka Trump, are also financing the multibillion-dollar luxury resort project in Albania, which has stirred up the Flamingo revolution.</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flydubai-flight-1073-what-happened-israel-terror-attack-1790876427952"><strong>Flydubai Flight 1073: How an in-flight brawl became a ‘jihadist terror’ attack</strong></a></p><p>Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Abu Dhabi royal, controls investment funds backing the deal. They also have a stake in World Liberty Financial, the crypto entity co-founded by Witkoff and linked to the Trump family, which generated $799 million for Trump last year, according to the report.</p><p>Sheikh Tahnoon also helps oversee Lunate, an Abu Dhabi fund that is among the largest stakeholders in Kushner’s private equity firm. Witkoff’s spokeswoman said he has “no conflict of interest and no financial stake in this matter.” It is unclear whether Kushner and Witkoff are likely to benefit from the deal, reported Times.</p><p>The US International Development Finance Corporation, or DFC, is also seeking a stake with Kushner and Witkoff helping negotiate financial terms to ensure “a substantial upfront payment and profits interest for the United States.”</p><h2>What are Lukoil's assets?</h2><p>According to Lukoil's international assets are valued at $20-22 billion, including major energy infrastructure across roughly 30 countries across continents, spanning upstream oil and gas fields, vital European refineries, and hundreds of retail gas stations in Europe and the United States. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, US and Western sanctions have heavily restricted Lukoil's ability to operate or profit from these overseas holdings; the assets have effectively been traded at distressed or "fire sale" rates. Now the parties in the proposed deal believe that, following the government approval and subsequent removal of sanctions, the values are likely to skyrocket.</p>

A group including Trump donor Todd Boehly, Gulf investors and the US government is seeking Lukoil's overseas oil and gas assets in a multibillion-dollar deal.

US-Russia talks on ending the war in Ukraine will involve a multibillion-dollar oil deal for international assets such as oil fields, refineries and gas stations around the world owned by one of Russia's biggest energy companies, Lukoil, reported the US-based newspaper New York Times. The deal is contingent on the approval of the US and Russian governments. The deal was raised by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a September 5 meeting at the Kremlin with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. He framed the asset sale as a way to show that Russian and US businesses could resume working together. According to the NYT, this deal is the latest attempt by US President Donald Trump to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Who else is in the deal? The leading group seeking Lukoil's assets includes American investors and Trump donor Todd Boehly, two Gulf groups related to Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and the US government. Todd Boehly, a billionaire co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, donated $1 million to Trump-aligned MAGA Inc. and Trump’s inauguration. He also fronted the consortium that bought Chelsea Football Club from Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich. The $5.2 billion takeover was officially completed in May 2022. Qatar-based Al-Khayyat Brothers, Moutaz and Ramez Al-Khayyat, are also part of the deal. They have attended Trump's inauguration in 2025. They, along with Kushner and Ivanka Trump, are also financing the multibillion-dollar luxury resort project in Albania, which has stirred up the Flamingo revolution. Also Read: Flydubai Flight 1073: How an in-flight brawl became a ‘jihadist terror’ attack Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Abu Dhabi royal, controls investment funds backing the deal. They also have a stake in World Liberty Financial, the crypto entity co-founded by Witkoff and linked to the Trump family, which generated $799 million for Trump last year, according to the report. Sheikh Tahnoon also helps oversee Lunate, an Abu Dhabi fund that is among the largest stakeholders in Kushner’s private equity firm. Witkoff’s spokeswoman said he has “no conflict of interest and no financial stake in this matter.” It is unclear whether Kushner and Witkoff are likely to benefit from the deal, reported Times. The US International Development Finance Corporation, or DFC, is also seeking a stake with Kushner and Witkoff helping negotiate financial terms to ensure “a substantial upfront payment and profits interest for the United States.” What are Lukoil's assets? According to Lukoil's international assets are valued at $20-22 billion, including major energy infrastructure across roughly 30 countries across continents, spanning upstream oil and gas fields, vital European refineries, and hundreds of retail gas stations in Europe and the United States. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, US and Western sanctions have heavily restricted Lukoil's ability to operate or profit from these overseas holdings; the assets have effectively been traded at distressed or "fire sale" rates. Now the parties in the proposed deal believe that, following the government approval and subsequent removal of sanctions, the values are likely to skyrocket.

<p>A group including Trump donor Todd Boehly, Gulf investors and the US government is seeking Lukoil's overseas oil and gas assets in a multibillion-dollar deal.</p>

Trump-linked investors eye $20-22bn Lukoil assets in latest US-Russia talks to end Ukraine war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met U.S. special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Kyiv on September 6 as Washington steps up efforts to revive peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.

The meeting came shortly after Witkoff and Kushner held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Zelenskyy said Ukraine is ready for constructive discussions and stressed the need for security guarantees and a dignified, sustainable postwar peace.

The latest Kyiv talks are part of a renewed U.S. diplomatic push to end the more than four-year Russia-Ukraine war. European national security advisers have also arrived in Kyiv for discussions, adding a wider European dimension to the negotiations

Russia-Ukraine WAR | Zelensky Meets Trump Envoys Witkoff, Kushner In Kyiv For Peace Talks

<p>Russia's top economic negotiator on Sunday slammed "titanic attempts" to thwart dialogue with the United States as he visited the country for talks with American officials after Washington imposed sanctions on Moscow's oil companies.</p><p>The visit comes as the US President Donald Trump voiced increasing frustration at Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and his refusal to agree a ceasefire in the Ukraine war.</p><p>Putin's economic envoy Kirill Dmitriev, who arrived in the United States on Friday, said Moscow was "committed to constructive dialogue" with the US.</p><p>"We're seeing titanic attempts to disrupt any dialogue between Russia and the US, and to spread disinformation," Dmitriev said in a video posted on Telegram.</p><p>Dmitriev met Trump administration officials on Friday and Saturday, a Russian source familiar with the talks told AFP. Talks were expected to continue on Sunday.</p><p>Earlier this week, Trump shelved talks with Putin in Budapest, saying he did not want a "wasted" meeting.</p><p>In an interview with a Hungarian YouTube channel Ultrahang published Sunday, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Washington had not proposed "any new meetings or conversations" between both countries' top diplomats since their phone call on Monday.</p><p>"And I did not raise the issue, because the entire initiative was coming from the United States. And we would be ready to move as the Americans feel comfortable for themselves," Lavrov said, speaking English.</p><p>Asked about the leaders' summit, he said: "It's up to those who initiated the process."</p><p>The Kremlin's envoy Dmitriev met with Republican Congresswoman for Florida Anna Paulina Luna.</p><p>In a post on X on Sunday, he said Luna was organising "a meeting between US Congress members and the Russian Duma to encourage parliamentary dialogue".</p><p>In the Telegram video message, Dmitriev -- a former Goldman Sachs banker and Stanford graduate -- said such a meeting would be held "in the near future".</p><p>Russia has consistently rejected calls for a ceasefire in Ukraine. Its latest overnight attack on Kyiv killed three people and wounded dozens according to the Ukrainian authorities.</p><p><i>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</i></p>

Putin's economic envoy Kirill Dmitriev, who arrived in the United States on Friday, said Moscow was "committed to constructive dialogue and to clearly communicating Russia's position".

Russia's top economic negotiator on Sunday slammed "titanic attempts" to thwart dialogue with the United States as he visited the country for talks with American officials after Washington imposed sanctions on Moscow's oil companies. The visit comes as the US President Donald Trump voiced increasing frustration at Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and his refusal to agree a ceasefire in the Ukraine war. Putin's economic envoy Kirill Dmitriev, who arrived in the United States on Friday, said Moscow was "committed to constructive dialogue" with the US. "We're seeing titanic attempts to disrupt any dialogue between Russia and the US, and to spread disinformation," Dmitriev said in a video posted on Telegram. Dmitriev met Trump administration officials on Friday and Saturday, a Russian source familiar with the talks told AFP. Talks were expected to continue on Sunday. Earlier this week, Trump shelved talks with Putin in Budapest, saying he did not want a "wasted" meeting. In an interview with a Hungarian YouTube channel Ultrahang published Sunday, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Washington had not proposed "any new meetings or conversations" between both countries' top diplomats since their phone call on Monday. "And I did not raise the issue, because the entire initiative was coming from the United States. And we would be ready to move as the Americans feel comfortable for themselves," Lavrov said, speaking English. Asked about the leaders' summit, he said: "It's up to those who initiated the process." The Kremlin's envoy Dmitriev met with Republican Congresswoman for Florida Anna Paulina Luna. In a post on X on Sunday, he said Luna was organising "a meeting between US Congress members and the Russian Duma to encourage parliamentary dialogue". In the Telegram video message, Dmitriev -- a former Goldman Sachs banker and Stanford graduate -- said such a meeting would be held "in the near future". Russia has consistently rejected calls for a ceasefire in Ukraine. Its latest overnight attack on Kyiv killed three people and wounded dozens according to the Ukrainian authorities. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

<p>Putin's economic envoy Kirill Dmitriev, who arrived in the United States on Friday, said Moscow was "committed to constructive dialogue and to clearly communicating Russia's position".</p>

Russian envoy slams ‘titanic attempts’ to derail talks with US

As Trump and Putin meet in Alaska to decide Ukraine’s fate, we break down the staggering cost in lives, land, and firepower.


Ukraine War in Numbers | The Deadly Toll Ahead of Trump–Putin Meet 

<p>A planned summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin may not go ahead after the Russian president refused to meet Ukraine’s leader, Volodymyr Zelensky, a potential condition for the US-Russia talks.</p><h2><strong>Mixed signals from both sides as summit talks stall</strong></h2><p>On Thursday, conflicting statements from Washington and Moscow suggested deep confusion over the planned summit. While the Kremlin claimed talks were progressing for a bilateral Trump-Putin meeting next week, Putin dismissed the idea of a meeting with Zelensky. “I have nothing against it in general,” Putin said, “but certain conditions must be created for this… we are still far from creating such conditions.”</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-war-must-end-ukraine-s-zelensky-calls-for-lasting-peace-after-call-with-trump-1754505061359"><strong>'War must end': Ukraine’s Zelensky calls for ‘lasting peace’ after call with Trump</strong></a></p><h2><strong>White House wants Putin to meet Zelensky first</strong></h2><p>Following a Kremlin meeting with Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, Washington indicated that Trump would only sit down with Putin if the Russian president agreed to meet Zelensky, something Putin has long resisted. A White House official told The New York Post that Trump’s condition for talks was a meeting with Zelensky. But Moscow rejected the idea, saying the three-way summit had only been “mentioned by the American side” and wasn’t up for discussion. “We propose focusing on preparations for a bilateral meeting with Trump in the first place,” said Putin aide Yuri Ushakov.</p><h2><strong>Could the UAE host the Trump-Putin summit?</strong></h2><p>While no venue has been finalised, Putin hinted that the United Arab Emirates, where he met Mohamed bin Zayed this week, could host the summit. “We have many friends… one of them is the president of the UAE,” he said.</p><h2><strong>Ukraine and Europe alarmed by backdoor diplomacy</strong></h2><p>The idea of Trump and Putin deciding Ukraine’s future without Kyiv or European input has rattled officials in Ukraine and EU capitals. Zelensky stressed the need for leaders to directly engage on key decisions. “We in Ukraine have repeatedly said that the search for real solutions can become truly effective only at the level of leaders,” he posted on Telegram.</p><p>Later, he said he spoke to Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz and France’s President Emmanuel Macron, coordinating a joint European position. “We both understand the need for a common European vision of key European security issues,” Zelensky said.</p><h2><strong>Putin still cold on meeting Zelensky directly</strong></h2><p>Despite repeated calls from Kyiv, Putin has shown no interest in sitting down with Zelensky. He insists lower-level negotiations must continue, but progress has stalled, with Moscow sending only junior officials to talks in Turkey.</p><h2><strong>Trump signals frustration with Moscow</strong></h2><p>In recent weeks, Trump has criticised Russia more openly, calling its strikes on Ukrainian civilians “disgusting.” He also threatened sanctions if a deal wasn’t reached by Friday. While new tariffs were imposed on India over its purchase of Russian oil, Trump seemed pleased with Witkoff’s visit. Ushakov described the discussions as “businesslike” and hinted at a future of closer ties between the US and Russia. “Russian-US relations could be based on a completely different, mutually advantageous scenario,” Ushakov said.</p><h2><strong>Will the Trump-Putin summit still happen?</strong></h2><p>Trump told reporters the summit could happen “very soon.” However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was more cautious: “Obviously, a lot has to happen before that can occur.” If the meeting does go ahead, it would be the first US-Russia leaders’ summit since Joe Biden met Putin in Geneva back in 2021.</p>

A planned Trump-Putin summit may be called off after Putin refused to meet Ukraine’s Zelensky. Putin dismissed the idea of a meeting with Zelensky. He said, “I have nothing against it in general, but certain conditions must be created for this… we are still far from creating such conditions.”

A planned summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin may not go ahead after the Russian president refused to meet Ukraine’s leader, Volodymyr Zelensky, a potential condition for the US-Russia talks. Mixed signals from both sides as summit talks stall On Thursday, conflicting statements from Washington and Moscow suggested deep confusion over the planned summit. While the Kremlin claimed talks were progressing for a bilateral Trump-Putin meeting next week, Putin dismissed the idea of a meeting with Zelensky. “I have nothing against it in general,” Putin said, “but certain conditions must be created for this… we are still far from creating such conditions.” Also read: 'War must end': Ukraine’s Zelensky calls for ‘lasting peace’ after call with Trump White House wants Putin to meet Zelensky first Following a Kremlin meeting with Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, Washington indicated that Trump would only sit down with Putin if the Russian president agreed to meet Zelensky, something Putin has long resisted. A White House official told The New York Post that Trump’s condition for talks was a meeting with Zelensky. But Moscow rejected the idea, saying the three-way summit had only been “mentioned by the American side” and wasn’t up for discussion. “We propose focusing on preparations for a bilateral meeting with Trump in the first place,” said Putin aide Yuri Ushakov. Could the UAE host the Trump-Putin summit? While no venue has been finalised, Putin hinted that the United Arab Emirates, where he met Mohamed bin Zayed this week, could host the summit. “We have many friends… one of them is the president of the UAE,” he said. Ukraine and Europe alarmed by backdoor diplomacy The idea of Trump and Putin deciding Ukraine’s future without Kyiv or European input has rattled officials in Ukraine and EU capitals. Zelensky stressed the need for leaders to directly engage on key decisions. “We in Ukraine have repeatedly said that the search for real solutions can become truly effective only at the level of leaders,” he posted on Telegram. Later, he said he spoke to Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz and France’s President Emmanuel Macron, coordinating a joint European position. “We both understand the need for a common European vision of key European security issues,” Zelensky said. Putin still cold on meeting Zelensky directly Despite repeated calls from Kyiv, Putin has shown no interest in sitting down with Zelensky. He insists lower-level negotiations must continue, but progress has stalled, with Moscow sending only junior officials to talks in Turkey. Trump signals frustration with Moscow In recent weeks, Trump has criticised Russia more openly, calling its strikes on Ukrainian civilians “disgusting.” He also threatened sanctions if a deal wasn’t reached by Friday. While new tariffs were imposed on India over its purchase of Russian oil, Trump seemed pleased with Witkoff’s visit. Ushakov described the discussions as “businesslike” and hinted at a future of closer ties between the US and Russia. “Russian-US relations could be based on a completely different, mutually advantageous scenario,” Ushakov said. Will the Trump-Putin summit still happen? Trump told reporters the summit could happen “very soon.” However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was more cautious: “Obviously, a lot has to happen before that can occur.” If the meeting does go ahead, it would be the first US-Russia leaders’ summit since Joe Biden met Putin in Geneva back in 2021.

<p>A planned Trump-Putin summit may be called off after Putin refused to meet Ukraine’s Zelensky. Putin dismissed the idea of a meeting with Zelensky. He said, “I have nothing against it in general, but certain conditions must be created for this… we are still far from creating such conditions.”</p>

Trump-Putin meet in jeopardy? Russia refuses US President's one condition for Ukraine peace talks - What does it mean?

Slew of disputes between former Cold War adversaries US and Russia

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The United States said on Thursday that it is on the verge of ending talks with Russia over the airstrikes on Aleppo.</p>

<p>US secretary of state John Kerry admitted that months of diplomacy to end the war had hit a dead-end.</p>

<p>&quot;I think we are on the verge of suspending the discussion because, you know, it&#39;s irrational in the context of the kind of bombing taking place, to be sitting there, trying to take things seriously,&quot; he told a conference in the US capital, according to the&nbsp;international news agency, AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Air strikes pounded Aleppo province on Thursday and killed at least 11 civilians, including seven children, died during attacks on the city of Idlib, nearby Jarjanaz and central Hama province, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights was quoted as saying by AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have &nbsp;condemned what they called &quot;barbarous&quot; Russian and Syrian regime airstrikes on Aleppo during a phone call later on Thursday but Russia said it would press ahead with airstrikes in support of the regime.</p>

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<h5>According&nbsp;to the UN, Aleppo is witnessing the worst humanitarian crisis since the war started in 2011.</h5>
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<p>Russia has also warned &nbsp;that Washington&#39;s refusal to work with Moscow on a settlement would be a &quot;gift to terrorists.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;If Washington&#39;s threats to halt cooperation become concrete decisions, then there is no longer any doubt that the rebels are under the White House&#39;s protection and in the streets,terrorists will celebrate,&quot; Russian foreign ministry spokesman Maria Zakharova told AFP.</p>

<p>Russia and the United States have been blaming each other for last week&#39;s collapse of a ceasefire deal that would have marked the first step to initiate an to end the five-year war that has killed 300,000 people.</p>

<p>According&nbsp;to the UN, Aleppo is witnessing the worst humanitarian crisis since the war started in 2011.</p>

<p>UN aid chief Stephen O&#39;Brien told the Security Council in New York that Aleppo is descending into a &quot;merciless abyss of a humanitarian catastrophe unlike any we have witnessed so far in Syria.&quot;, AFP reported.</p>

<p>More than 100,000 children are trapped in east Aleppo, which is under intense bombing since the Syrian army offensive began, he said.</p>

<p>The siege by Syrian government forces has made food scarce and fresh water in short supply, he added.</p>

<p><br />
(WION with inputs from AFP)</p>

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Russia has also warned ?that Washington's refusal to work with Moscow on a settlement would be a 'gift to terrorists'

The United States said on Thursday that it is on the verge of ending talks with Russia over the airstrikes on Aleppo. US secretary of state John Kerry admitted that months of diplomacy to end the war had hit a dead-end. "I think we are on the verge of suspending the discussion because, you know, it's irrational in the context of the kind of bombing taking place, to be sitting there, trying to take things seriously," he told a conference in the US capital, according to the international news agency, AFP. Air strikes pounded Aleppo province on Thursday and killed at least 11 civilians, including seven children, died during attacks on the city of Idlib, nearby Jarjanaz and central Hama province, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights was quoted as saying by AFP. US President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have condemned what they called "barbarous" Russian and Syrian regime airstrikes on Aleppo during a phone call later on Thursday but Russia said it would press ahead with airstrikes in support of the regime. According to the UN, Aleppo is witnessing the worst humanitarian crisis since the war started in 2011. × Russia has also warned that Washington's refusal to work with Moscow on a settlement would be a "gift to terrorists." "If Washington's threats to halt cooperation become concrete decisions, then there is no longer any doubt that the rebels are under the White House's protection and in the streets,terrorists will celebrate," Russian foreign ministry spokesman Maria Zakharova told AFP. Russia and the United States have been blaming each other for last week's collapse of a ceasefire deal that would have marked the first step to initiate an to end the five-year war that has killed 300,000 people. According to the UN, Aleppo is witnessing the worst humanitarian crisis since the war started in 2011. UN aid chief Stephen O'Brien told the Security Council in New York that Aleppo is descending into a "merciless abyss of a humanitarian catastrophe unlike any we have witnessed so far in Syria.", AFP reported. More than 100,000 children are trapped in east Aleppo, which is under intense bombing since the Syrian army offensive began, he said. The siege by Syrian government forces has made food scarce and fresh water in short supply, he added. (WION with inputs from AFP)

US on 'verge of suspending' Syria talks with Russia

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Washington and Moscow failed on Friday to reach a breakthrough deal on a nationwide cessation of hostilities and military cooperation in Syria, saying they still have issues to resolve before an agreement could be announced.<br />
<br />
The United States and Russia have &quot;achieved clarity&quot; on the way towards a new ceasefire in Syria, but technical details must still be resolved, US secretary of state John Kerry said Friday.<br />
<br />
Addressing a joint news conference after more than nine hours of off-and-on talks in Geneva, Kerry and Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said teams from both sides would try to finalise details in coming days in the Swiss city.<br />
<br />
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<strong>&#39;Improving humanitarian assistance&#39; &nbsp;</strong><br />
<br />
Kerry said during the talks with Lavrov, both of them offered few details on how they planned to renew a February cessation of hostilities and improve humanitarian assistance.<br />
<br />
&quot;We don&#39;t want to have a deal for the sake of the deal,&quot; he said.&nbsp;<br />
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&quot;We want to have something done that is effective and that works for the people of Syria, that makes the region more stable and secure, and that brings us to the table here in Geneva to find a political solution.&quot;<br />
<br />
Kerry stressed that the two sides were not prepared to make a definitive announcement, but said US and Russian technical experts would continue to meet in Geneva in the coming days to hammer out a set of unresolved issues.&nbsp;<br />
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<h5>We want to have something done that is effective and that works for the people of Syria, that makes the region more stable and secure, and that brings us to the table here in Geneva to find a political solution.&quot; - Kerry&nbsp;</h5>
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Kerry linked the near total collapse of a previous ceasefire agreed earlier this year to the failure to respond to violations and the Syrian regime&#39;s efforts to reclaim strategic territory, including around Damascus.<br />
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<strong>Talks have been complicated&nbsp;</strong><br />
<br />
The talks have been complicated since initial meetings in July by new government attacks on opposition groups, and a significant offensive in the southern part of the divided city of Aleppo led by opposition fighters intermingled with the Nusra Front, an al-Qaeda affiliate also seeking to topple Russian-backed President Bashar al-Assad.<br />
<br />
In the days ahead the technical teams, which include US and Russian military and intelligence experts, will try to figure out ways to separate the opposition groups, backed by the United States and Gulf Arab countries, from the jihadis.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
It was unclear after Friday&#39;s meetings whether outstanding issues could all be resolved between Moscow and Washington, which back opposing parties in the Syrian conflict.&nbsp;<br />
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<strong>Different views&nbsp;</strong><br />
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The United States has insisted that the Syrian air force, which has dropped barrel bombs and chlorine on residential areas, be grounded but Lavrov said on Friday that was not the goal.<br />
<br />
Assad&#39;s future is not part of the current talks. Instead, discussions are focused on finding an effective and lasting solution to end the violence, which would open negotiations on a political transition in Syria.&nbsp;<br />
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&quot;If the remaining details can be completed, we believe we will be able to address the two primary challenges to the cessation of hostilities - the regime violations and the increasing influence of the al-Nusra Front,&quot; Kerry said.&nbsp;<br />
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<h5>Kerry insisted the Syrian regime had &quot;forced the surrender&quot; of Daraya in contravention of the February cessation of hostilities agreement, but Lavrov said the local accord was an &quot;example&quot; that should be &quot;replicated&quot;.</h5>
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Kerry believes the plan is the best chance to limit fighting that is driving thousands of Syrians into exile in Europe and preventing humanitarian aid from reaching tens of thousands more.<br />
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The talks came as opposition groups effectively surrendered the Damascus suburb of Daraya to the government after a grueling four-year siege.<br />
<br />
Kerry insisted the Syrian regime had &quot;forced the surrender&quot; of Daraya in contravention of the February cessation of hostilities agreement, but Lavrov said the local accord was an &quot;example&quot; that should be &quot;replicated&quot;.<br />
<br />
The Russian foreign minister said another besieged area was &quot;interested in such an operation with mediation of the Russian Federation.&quot; He did not name the area.<br />
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Residents and insurgents in Daraya began to leave the besieged area where civilians have been trapped since 2012 and the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross expressed concern for their safety.<br />
<br />
(WION with inputs from agencies)&nbsp;<br />
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The talks came as opposition groups effectively surrendered the Damascus suburb of Daraya to Syrian government after a grueling 4-year siege

Washington and Moscow failed on Friday to reach a breakthrough deal on a nationwide cessation of hostilities and military cooperation in Syria, saying they still have issues to resolve before an agreement could be announced. The United States and Russia have "achieved clarity" on the way towards a new ceasefire in Syria, but technical details must still be resolved, US secretary of state John Kerry said Friday. Addressing a joint news conference after more than nine hours of off-and-on talks in Geneva, Kerry and Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said teams from both sides would try to finalise details in coming days in the Swiss city. 'Improving humanitarian assistance' Kerry said during the talks with Lavrov, both of them offered few details on how they planned to renew a February cessation of hostilities and improve humanitarian assistance. "We don't want to have a deal for the sake of the deal," he said. "We want to have something done that is effective and that works for the people of Syria, that makes the region more stable and secure, and that brings us to the table here in Geneva to find a political solution." Kerry stressed that the two sides were not prepared to make a definitive announcement, but said US and Russian technical experts would continue to meet in Geneva in the coming days to hammer out a set of unresolved issues. We want to have something done that is effective and that works for the people of Syria, that makes the region more stable and secure, and that brings us to the table here in Geneva to find a political solution." - Kerry Kerry linked the near total collapse of a previous ceasefire agreed earlier this year to the failure to respond to violations and the Syrian regime's efforts to reclaim strategic territory, including around Damascus. Talks have been complicated The talks have been complicated since initial meetings in July by new government attacks on opposition groups, and a significant offensive in the southern part of the divided city of Aleppo led by opposition fighters intermingled with the Nusra Front, an al-Qaeda affiliate also seeking to topple Russian-backed President Bashar al-Assad. In the days ahead the technical teams, which include US and Russian military and intelligence experts, will try to figure out ways to separate the opposition groups, backed by the United States and Gulf Arab countries, from the jihadis. It was unclear after Friday's meetings whether outstanding issues could all be resolved between Moscow and Washington, which back opposing parties in the Syrian conflict. Different views The United States has insisted that the Syrian air force, which has dropped barrel bombs and chlorine on residential areas, be grounded but Lavrov said on Friday that was not the goal. Assad's future is not part of the current talks. Instead, discussions are focused on finding an effective and lasting solution to end the violence, which would open negotiations on a political transition in Syria. "If the remaining details can be completed, we believe we will be able to address the two primary challenges to the cessation of hostilities - the regime violations and the increasing influence of the al-Nusra Front," Kerry said. Kerry insisted the Syrian regime had "forced the surrender" of Daraya in contravention of the February cessation of hostilities agreement, but Lavrov said the local accord was an "example" that should be "replicated". Kerry believes the plan is the best chance to limit fighting that is driving thousands of Syrians into exile in Europe and preventing humanitarian aid from reaching tens of thousands more. The talks came as opposition groups effectively surrendered the Damascus suburb of Daraya to the government after a grueling four-year siege. Kerry insisted the Syrian regime had "forced the surrender" of Daraya in contravention of the February cessation of hostilities agreement, but Lavrov said the local accord was an "example" that should be "replicated". The Russian foreign minister said another besieged area was "interested in such an operation with mediation of the Russian Federation." He did not name the area. Residents and insurgents in Daraya began to leave the besieged area where civilians have been trapped since 2012 and the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross expressed concern for their safety. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Washington, Moscow fail to reach 'breakthrough deal' on ending Syria violence

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