The United States will mediate trilateral talks between Ukraine and Russia in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11, focusing on post-war security arrangements, de-escalation, humanitarian measures, and ending the war, according to U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
U.S. negotiators led by Witkoff and Jared Kushner will represent the American delegation in the discussions. The talks follow a meeting between Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg two weeks prior, where Putin agreed to the new round of negotiations.
Key Objectives of the Talks
The agenda for the Abu Dhabi discussions includes:
- Post-war security agreements for both sides
- De-escalation measures to reduce hostilities
- Humanitarian initiatives to address civilian needs
- Pathways to ending the war through structured negotiations
In parallel, U.S. negotiators will meet this week in Brussels with representatives from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and NATO. These meetings will address:
- Security guarantees for Ukraine
- Europe’s future security framework
- Economic support for Ukraine’s reconstruction
Background and Context
The last U.S.-mediated peace talks occurred in February, prior to the U.S. and Israel’s military engagement with Iran. The Trump administration has framed these discussions as part of an ongoing effort to broker a comprehensive and durable peace agreement.
Positions of the Parties
While the U.S. has emphasized progress toward a lasting resolution, Ukraine and Russia remain far apart on key terms. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has consistently rejected Russia’s demands for territorial concessions, while Putin has insisted on security arrangements that align with Russia’s objectives.
A localized cease-fire in southern Ukraine’s Kherson region ended on October 28, underscoring the fragile nature of the conflict’s current state.
Diplomatic Efforts Leading to Abu Dhabi
The upcoming talks build on previous discussions held in Kyiv, Oslo, and St. Petersburg. U.S. officials have described these efforts as part of President Trump’s continued push for a negotiated settlement.
Format and Participation
The Abu Dhabi talks will be conducted at the working level, involving technocrats rather than senior leadership. However, the U.S. delegation includes high-profile negotiators, signaling the administration’s commitment to the process.
Russian officials confirmed the trilateral format for the November discussions, though they did not rule out future inclusion of European representatives. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the talks would proceed as planned in the specified three-party structure.