Overview
- The Kremlin confirmed U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff will visit Moscow next week, with aide Yuri Ushakov saying no detailed talks on documents will occur until he arrives.
- Putin said the U.S.-Ukraine variant discussed in Geneva could form a basis for future agreements, then warned Ukrainian forces must leave areas they hold or Russia will impose this by force, and he questioned Kyiv’s legitimacy while seeking international recognition of Russian gains.
- U.S., Ukrainian and Russian interlocutors pursued parallel contacts, including Abu Dhabi meetings involving U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, as Kyiv and Washington revised a U.S. draft reduced from 28 points after Geneva sessions.
- A leaked October call transcript showed Witkoff advising Ushakov on how to pitch to President Trump, drawing backlash from U.S. lawmakers as Russian officials decried the leak and refrained from commenting on confidential content.
- Combat continued with fresh Russian missile and drone attacks reported in Ukraine, while European leaders insisted any settlement must include security guarantees for Kyiv and a meaningful European role.