Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Special Envoy, announced that trilateral peace negotiations involving Russia and Ukraine, together with the United States, will be held in Abu Dhabi on Nov. 10-11. He said the meeting aims to create a framework for a lasting settlement.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed uncertainty about the prospects for a negotiated peace. Speaking to reporters at a G20 gathering on Oct. 31, he admitted that he does not know whether a full deal can be reached at this stage.
President Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin met Witkoff in Oslo and St. Petersburg during October. Those conversations showed a tentative willingness to engage in further dialogue.
For several weeks, officials from the three capitals have coordinated behind the scenes to set up these new rounds of talks. Their joint effort seeks a durable peace pact that would provide security for future generations.
The technical agenda lists several concrete items: the return of abducted children, exchanges of captives, a maritime cease-fire, and an energy cease-fire. Each point is intended to build confidence among the parties.
Zelensky suggested that a few rounds of technical discussions could pave the way for a broader summit. That summit would bring together Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin and the Ukrainian president himself.
The Kremlin is pressing Kyiv to cede portions of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Ukraine insists on a cease-fire that respects the current front lines.
The two heads of state have not spoken directly since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. That gap shows the significance of the upcoming technical sessions.
Zelensky stated on Oct. 25 that issues of neutrality and limits on the army are not open for negotiation. He added that security guarantees cannot be imposed by Russia.
Witkoff posted on X that the forthcoming talks will concentrate on de-escalation and humanitarian assistance. He noted that participants will also address post-war security arrangements and outline next steps toward a stable peace.
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