International observer David Ignatius of The Washington Post noted that Ukrainian President Zelenskyy emphasized his readiness to freeze the conflict. However, the article questions how Ukraine's readiness for peace can bring it closer if the aggressor is not even ready to discuss peace, let alone reach an agreement.

The release of Hubbard does not bring a peace agreement closer, but Putin appears to be playing along with his "admirer" Trump, who is in a difficult situation before the midterm elections. As an additional gesture, the Kremlin dictator announced Russia's readiness to return to trilateral negotiations in early November.