Russia and Ukraine open to talks on war

Russia may be open to a new round of talks to end the war in Ukraine and Ukraine may be open to ceding territory in the process. Doug Lozader has more from Washington this morning where the White House is hoping to broker a peace deal. Good morning, Doug. Good morning. We're getting closer to at least lower level talks with the U.S., Ukraine and Russia. But this critical question remains whether Vladimir Putin really wants a deal. No apparent slowdown of attacks on Ukraine overnight, despite what sounded like peace overtures on both sides. Right now we have to freeze and I think this is real way to end this war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he is open to freezing the battle lines where they are to pursue talks, with Russia in control of a good portion of eastern Ukraine. But for those who have been watching this war unfold, this is familiar. He's privately agreed to something like this previously. The problem is Vladimir Putin has steadfastly refused to do so. Russian President Vladimir Putin did meet with U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff as part of an effort to win the release of U.S. hostage Stephen Hubbard. But Putin did agree to start a new round of talks with the U.S. and Ukraine. I called up Vladimir Putin and I said, you got to do me a favor, you got to give me back Stephen Hubbard. President Trump at a rally last night in South Carolina said his deal-making was behind the release, but that came as he was campaigning for Darlene Graham, the sister of late Senator Lindsey Graham, who had pressed for Russian sanctions that the president has now put on hold as the fighting in Ukraine rages on. Now, these trilateral talks to end the war are scheduled to begin next month, it looks like, after the midterms. Desiree. Okay, so hopefully there's some hope there. That could be hopeful. Do you think working through this oil deal with Russia kind of maybe helped soften Russia's stance a little bit and kind of brought them back to the negotiating table? Well, the White House may argue that delaying the additional sanctions and the agreement to allow Russia to sell diesel had a number of benefits, but also, of course, a number of critics here on Capitol Hill. Right. Yeah. All right. Well, we'll see how far the benefits go. Doug, we appreciate you. Thank you. Thanks.