Ukraine and Russia end first day of US-mediated talks in Abu Dhabi
The delegations planned to continue on November 11. President Zelensky said humanitarian issues and security guarantees for Ukraine were discussed.
Ukrainian and Russian delegations concluded a first day of US-mediated talks on the war in Abu Dhabi on November 10, the first meeting in that format since February. The parties planned to meet again on November 11.
The session lasted about four hours, according to the Associated Press. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the talks as constructive and substantive after receiving a report from his team. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also called the meeting productive, while warning that much work remained.
Zelensky said the meeting addressed possible humanitarian measures, including prisoner releases, as well as the content of security guarantees for Ukraine and steps toward de-escalation. No comprehensive peace agreement had been announced by the end of the first day.
Meeting with Europeans before the three-way talks
The day began with a meeting of Ukrainian representatives, US envoys and delegates from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, NATO and the European Commission, according to Rustem Umerov, head of Kyiv’s delegation. The trilateral meeting with Russia followed.
Umerov heads Ukraine’s foreign intelligence service. The delegation also includes Kyrylo Budanov, head of the presidential office. Russia’s team is led by Vladimir Medinsky, an adviser to President Vladimir Putin. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are participating.
Europe’s place in the negotiations is particularly sensitive. Zelensky has said decisions about European security should be discussed with the participation of countries on the continent. Moscow has opposed Europeans joining the trilateral format, although it has suggested they could participate at a later stage, AP reported.
Divisions remain
Moscow and Kyiv remain far apart on territory and security. Russia demands that Ukraine withdraw its forces from four regions Moscow declared annexed in 2022 and abandon its bid to join NATO. Kyiv refuses to give up territory voluntarily and considers security guarantees from its Western partners essential to prevent another invasion.
Ukraine supports a ceasefire as the first step toward broader negotiations. Putin has rejected a general pause on Kyiv’s proposed terms. Attacks continue during diplomatic contacts in the full-scale invasion Russia launched in February 2022.
The delegations planned to meet again on November 11, with territorial and security disputes that have limited progress in earlier rounds still unresolved.
