Ukraine and Russia set for two-day talks in Abu Dhabi on Nov. 10
US Envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed the dates for working-level negotiations on security and humanitarian issues, following a brief ceasefire in Kherson.
By Austin Reed ·
American and European diplomats will join Ukrainian and Russian officials in Abu Dhabi next week for scheduled talks. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed on Tuesday that the United States will host working-level negotiations on November 10 and 11. These discussions aim to address post-war security, de-escalation measures, and humanitarian needs.
The delegation from Washington is also planning meetings with allies from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom later this week. These bilateral consultations focus on defining the security guarantees that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has demanded in any potential peace deal. Witkoff noted that the team intends to build on progress made in previous meetings in Kyiv, Oslo, and St. Petersburg.
The announcement comes shortly after a localized ceasefire in southern Ukraine ended on Sunday. This temporary pause in fighting allowed for the delivery of supplies to the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky. Both Kyiv and Moscow credited First Lady Melania Trump and Pope Leo with helping to secure this brief truce, which facilitated the evacuation of residents.
Despite the diplomatic push, the military conflict continues with high intensity. Russian forces carried out strikes across Ukraine overnight into Tuesday. In the Zaporizhzhia region, local authorities reported that at least 29 people were killed in a single village. In Kharkiv, a strike hit a medical facility, injuring 25 people and forcing the evacuation of approximately 200 patients.
The Russian defense ministry claimed it targeted energy facilities and port infrastructure in the Odessa region. In response to Ukrainian aerial activity, the mayor of Moscow stated that 500 Ukrainian drones were destroyed overnight. These military actions demonstrate the continued pressure on both fronts even as diplomatic channels reopen in the United Arab Emirates.
Previous rounds of U.S.-mediated discussions during President Trump's second term have occasionally resulted in prisoner exchanges. However, major obstacles remain in the talks. Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to demand that Ukraine accept the annexation of territories seized during the war. Zelenskyy has consistently rejected legitimizing these gains, a stance supported by many European allies who view it as a dangerous precedent.
The upcoming meetings involve technocrats rather than senior national leaders. This format allows for detailed technical discussions on the mechanics of a potential agreement. The November dates mark the next phase in a diplomatic process that has been active since the war began on February 24, 2022. The focus remains on bridging the gap between the two sides regarding territory and security guarantees.
Washington aims to coordinate with European partners while engaging directly with both parties in a neutral location. The outcome of the Abu Dhabi meetings will determine the pace of future diplomatic initiatives. Stakeholders are watching to see if these working-level discussions can produce tangible results that pave the way for higher-level engagements.
