Russian and Ukrainian officials have opened a new round of US-mediated negotiations in Abu Dhabi, with security guarantees, de-escalation and a possible political settlement at the centre of the two-day meeting.
Delegations from Russia, Ukraine and the United States began talks in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, 10 November, in the first US-brokered meeting between Moscow and Kyiv since February.
The opening was confirmed by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which said the discussions were intended to support efforts towards a political solution to the war.
Reuters and the Associated Press, carried by ITV News, separately confirmed that the trilateral session had started.
Security guarantees lead the agenda
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are leading Washington’s mediation. Ukraine’s delegation is headed by Rustem Umerov, the head of the country’s Foreign Intelligence Service, while Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky leads the Russian team.
The talks are expected to address security guarantees for Ukraine, humanitarian measures, de-escalation and a wider post-war security framework.
European and NATO representatives met the Ukrainian and US delegations before the trilateral session. Russia has resisted direct European participation in the negotiations, while Kyiv has insisted that Europe must remain involved in decisions affecting the continent’s security.
Major divisions remain
The start of the meeting does not amount to a ceasefire or peace agreement. Russia and Ukraine remain far apart over territory, Ukraine’s future security arrangements and the conditions for ending the war.
Moscow continues to demand Ukrainian withdrawal from areas it claims and restrictions on Kyiv’s military and NATO ambitions. Ukraine rejects surrendering territory and says any settlement must include credible guarantees against another invasion.
Fighting has continued despite the diplomatic push, including attacks on energy infrastructure and military targets. No breakthrough had been announced when this report was published.
This is a developing story. BaretaNews will update it when the parties release verified outcomes from the Abu Dhabi talks.
Featured image: Editorial composite of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Illustration: Bareta Media & Communications C.I.C.; it is not a photograph of the Abu Dhabi meeting.
