Negotiators from the United States, Russia and Ukraine opened a new round of peace talks in Abu Dhabi Nov. 10, as Kyiv pressed for de-escalation and guarantees for Ukraine’s postwar security.
President Donald Trump said at the White House Nov. 9 that the United States was involved in efforts to stop Russia’s war against Ukraine. He said he wanted people to stop being killed, described both countries as tired of fighting and said he saw “a very strong inclination” to end the conflict.
Before the talks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s team would propose measures to ease tensions and pursue a possible meeting between national leaders. He said, “Peace is needed. Security guarantees are needed. Real resources for Ukraine’s postwar recovery are needed.”
The United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the round began Nov. 10. The ministry said the UAE was helping facilitate discussions. Zelenskyy’s office said the trilateral negotiations had begun and a meeting with European representatives had taken place. Zelenskyy also said Russian strikes were creating challenges for communities and damaging bridges and Ukraine’s power grid.
A European Council statement said any future settlement should preserve Ukraine’s sovereignty and borders, while NATO would continue to play a central role in Euro-Atlantic defense. The statement followed a meeting involving European partners, Ukraine, the United States and NATO ahead of the trilateral talks.
Reuters reported, citing an unnamed U.S. official, that Russia and Ukraine had privately shown some flexibility on possible territorial exchanges. The official statements reviewed did not confirm the reported flexibility or specify possible terms.
Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service said the talks adjourned after the first day and were expected to resume Nov. 11, according to Ukrinform. No agreement had been announced in the statements cited.
