Moscow Format

Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov is drawing attention amid discussion of changes in Mikhail Mishustin's government. The Moscow Times examined the reasons and consequences of the reshuffle and the formation of a third Mishustin cabinet, while business circles are also debating fiscal policy: the Union of Russian Industrialists and Entrepreneurs has spoken out against a tax on excess revenues from mineral extraction, a proposal relevant to Siluanov's ministry.

Analysts are examining the apparent collapse of the Moscow Format, the diplomatic platform through which Russia and regional states engaged Afghanistan's Taliban rulers since 2021. The argument advanced is that international recognition and dialogue have granted the Taliban legitimacy without giving their partners any real leverage over policies such as girls' education and inclusivity. The development raises questions about whether engagement strategies toward Kabul can achieve anything without concrete pressure.

European diplomats stayed away from Russia's representatives during a G20 meeting held in the United States, underlining continued Western isolation of Moscow over its war in Ukraine. The snub highlights how diplomatic contacts between EU officials and Russia remain frozen despite the G20's format bringing all members to the same table.

A Kremlin aide has said that initial talks on ending the war in Ukraine should involve only the United States, Russia and Ukraine, excluding other parties from the first round of negotiations. The remarks signal Moscow's preference for a narrow, bilateral-style format with Washington as mediator, and are drawing attention as international efforts to launch peace talks continue.

Vladimir Putin has signalled readiness to resume trilateral peace talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, according to Al Jazeera. The statement raises the prospect of renewed diplomatic engagement between Russia, Ukraine and the mediating party, though no details have emerged on timing, format or preconditions. Observers are watching whether the overture marks a genuine shift in Moscow's position or a tactical move amid continued fighting.

The United States and Ukraine have agreed that Europe will be represented at negotiations on ending the war in Ukraine by the so-called E3 format — Britain, France and Germany. Financial Times reported the arrangement, citing four European diplomats. The decision addresses European demands for a seat at the table in talks that have so far been driven largely by Washington, Kyiv and Moscow, and is likely to shape how the continent's security interests are voiced in any settlement.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly proposed a three-way summit with US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping to discuss the war in Ukraine — a format that would exclude Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The reported proposal is drawing attention because it suggests Moscow wants major powers to negotiate Ukraine's fate directly, sidelining Kyiv from talks about its own territory and future.

The Kremlin says Russia is willing in principle to take part in new peace talks on Ukraine in November. The statement signals Moscow's continued readiness to engage diplomatically, though the timing, format and agenda of any negotiations remain unresolved. Observers are watching to see whether talks materialize and whether both sides can narrow their differences on ending the war.

A Russian diplomat said Moscow is 'in the preparatory phase' for negotiations on Ukraine. The statement suggests Russia may be signalling openness to talks while the war continues, though it offered no details on timing, format or conditions. Diplomats and observers will be watching for concrete follow-up steps from Moscow and Kyiv's allies.

A Kremlin aide has said that Europe should be included in discussions over a peace settlement for Ukraine, according to the Moscow Times. The remarks come as debate continues over who should take part in negotiations to end the war, with European governments pushing for a seat at the table alongside Washington, Moscow and Kyiv.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he hopes talks involving Ukraine, Russia and the United States can take place by November 10. The statement signals Kyiv's push to accelerate diplomacy toward ending the war, and comes amid continued international attention on possible negotiation formats involving Washington and Moscow.

Russia has announced that it is ready to hold nuclear talks with the United States and China. The statement signals Moscow's willingness to engage in multilateral discussions on nuclear weapons and arms control. Details about the timing, format, or substance of any potential talks have not been provided, and reactions from Washington and Beijing are not yet known.

The Kremlin says Russia is ready to hold three-way talks on ending the war in Ukraine. The announcement signals Moscow's openness to negotiations involving additional parties, though it is unclear which format or participants Russia envisions, and Ukraine and its Western allies have yet to respond to the reported offer.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview that a truce on energy infrastructure, or a trilateral meeting between the leaders of Ukraine, Russia and the United States, could serve as a signal of Moscow's genuine readiness for peace. His comments come amid ongoing debate over possible negotiation formats and whether Russia is prepared to end the war.

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Moscow is ready to resume trilateral negotiations with Ukraine and the United States after November 4, Russia's national holiday, calling that date the next deadline. The statement suggests a possible reopening of diplomacy on the war, though no agenda or preconditions were announced, and it remains unclear whether Kyiv and Washington have agreed to such a format.

Russia is advocating for a trilateral summit bringing together Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Xi Jinping to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. The proposal would exclude both Kyiv and the European Union from the negotiating table, a detail already drawing criticism that Ukraine's future is being discussed without Ukrainians.

Donald Trump said he is open to meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin in China for talks on nuclear matters. The statement signals a possible three-way leaders' summit on arms control, an area where US-China-Russia diplomacy has been largely frozen. Details on timing, format or agenda have not been announced, and Beijing and Moscow have yet to respond publicly.

Ukraine's foreign minister Andrii Sybiha says Kyiv is ready to consider various formats for a ceasefire with Russia, but insists the European Union must apply crushing pressure on Moscow to make any deal stick. His comments underline Kyiv's position that Russian compliance depends on sustained EU economic and political pressure.

Mali's government forces have begun using Russian-made Geran strike drones against armed formations in the country. The report is circulating in Ukrainian-language outlets and social channels, drawing attention to the growing spread of Russian drone technology beyond the war in Ukraine and to Moscow's deepening military footprint in the Sahel.

Ukraine says it has prepared five possible ceasefire formats, but Russia has not yet agreed to any of them. The announcement frames Kyiv as ready to move toward ending the war while Moscow remains the holdout. The claim puts renewed attention on international mediators and on whether any of the proposed arrangements can win Russian acceptance.

EU member states' ambassadors, meeting in the COREPER II format, approved the largest sanctions package against Russia to date, according to Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform. The 19th package is expected to be formally adopted and targets Russian energy, finance and trade channels. The move follows continued diplomatic pressure from Kyiv and Washington for Europe to tighten restrictions on Moscow.