US-mediated Ukraine-Russia talks to be held in Abu Dhabi on November 10-11
Working-level talks between Ukraine and Russia, mediated by the United States, are scheduled for November 10-11 in Abu Dhabi. The agenda is expected to cover postwar security arrangements, de-escalation, humanitarian measures and further steps toward peace. US negotiators are also due to meet European and NATO representatives in Brussels this week.
Key points
- Ukraine-Russia working-level talks will take place in Abu Dhabi on November 10-11 with US mediation.
- The agenda includes postwar security arrangements, de-escalation, humanitarian measures and next steps toward peace.
- US negotiators will meet representatives of France, Germany, the UK, the EU and NATO in Brussels this week.
- The Brussels talks will address security guarantees for Ukraine, Europe's postwar security architecture and support for Ukraine's reconstruction.
- Volodymyr Putin agreed to a new trilateral round after meeting with Steve Witkoff in St Petersburg.
- Russia's delegation is expected to be led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky.
- Ukraine prefers European participation but says it will not cancel the talks if Washington insists on a trilateral format.
Why it matters
The meeting represents a renewed attempt to advance de-escalation, humanitarian measures and postwar security arrangements after a pause in US-mediated peace negotiations. Its agenda touches security guarantees, military limits, sovereignty and sanctions, while substantial differences remain between Ukraine and Russia over the terms of a possible agreement.
What happened
Working-level talks between Ukraine and Russia are scheduled for November 10-11 in Abu Dhabi, with the United States acting as mediator. Participants are expected to discuss postwar security arrangements, de-escalation, humanitarian measures and next steps toward peace. This will be the latest round of negotiations that were effectively paused after the previous US-mediated meeting in February. Separately, US negotiators are due to meet representatives of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the EU and NATO in Brussels this week to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine, Europe's postwar security architecture and potential support for Ukraine's reconstruction. Volodymyr Putin agreed to a new trilateral round after meeting with Steve Witkoff in St Petersburg, while Russia's delegation is expected to be led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky. Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to represent the United States.
How Ukrainian sources describe it
Ukrainian coverage emphasizes Ukraine's preference for European participation while confirming that the talks will proceed in a US-mediated trilateral format. Ukrainian reports also draw attention to unresolved questions over security guarantees, military limits, sovereignty and sanctions, placing the meeting in the context of previous rounds in Kyiv, Oslo, St Petersburg and Abu Dhabi and related discussions in Brussels.
How international sources describe it
International coverage focuses on the date, location and the United States' mediating role, with some reports naming the prospective American and Russian delegation leads. Reporting from the Gulf and Europe presents the meeting as part of a broader US-led effort to resume negotiations and pursue a durable peace agreement, alongside European discussions on security guarantees and postwar arrangements.
Where reporting differs
Ukraine prefers European participation in the Abu Dhabi talks but says it will not cancel them if Washington insists on a trilateral format without Europeans. The disagreement therefore concerns the format of the meeting rather than whether it will take place.
Background
The previous US-mediated round took place in Abu Dhabi in February, where Ukraine, the United States and Russia agreed on an exchange of 314 prisoners. Talks in Kyiv, Oslo and St Petersburg were described as constructive, with discussions expected to continue at the technical level. Putin agreed to a new trilateral round after meeting with Witkoff in St Petersburg, and Medinsky is set to lead the Russian delegation.