Putin backs new three-way talks as Russian drone strikes force power cuts in Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin has confirmed that Russia agreed to resume three-way talks with the United States and Ukraine, Interfax-Ukraine reported on Friday. Ukraine also introduced emergency power cuts in Kyiv and other regions after Russian attacks.
Putin on the talks
Putin said the aim of the talks would be "to discuss ensuring the security of Ukraine and Russia following the conclusion of peace agreements". He spoke in an interview with Pavel Zarubin for the news service Vesti, Interfax-Ukraine reported.
He said these must be peace agreements "in their final form", not just a short pause in fighting. He also agreed the talks should cover the future of European security.
We shall see how the situation develops in the coming days.
Drones and power cuts
Russia launched 176 drones overnight into Friday, including Shahed-type drones, 92 of them jet-powered, Ukraine's air force said. By 8am local time, 140 had been shot down or neutralised.
Those were preliminary figures, and 10 strike drones were still in the air at that time. The air force said there were hits at 19 locations, and debris fell at 13 others.
On Friday, Ukrenergo said emergency power cuts had been introduced in some regions because of a difficult situation in the grid caused by Russian attacks. Energy company DTEK said the cuts applied in Kyiv and the Kyiv region.
Zelenskyy waits for Witkoff
Speaking in Kyiv on Thursday alongside Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, Zelenskyy said he expected a briefing from Witkoff on Friday, followed by a joint briefing from the teams, Interfax-Ukraine reported.
He said a meeting of technical teams from Ukraine, the US and Russia was possible in November. The US has proposed the United Arab Emirates as the venue, he said.
Finland signs deals worth about €300m
During Orpo's visit, Ukraine and Finland signed seven agreements worth about €300m, Interfax-Ukraine reported.
| Agreement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Space cooperation | Letter of intent with Nokia and ICEYE on Defence Ministry satellite communications |
| Rail | 10 diesel locomotives donated to Ukraine |
| Drones | Finland to provide up to €200m for a drone deal |
| Unmanned systems | Plan for a Patria joint venture in Finland |
| Heavy drones | Bavovna and INSTA plan facilities in Finland |
