In Abu Dhabi On Tuesday, negotiators from UkraineUkraine, Russia and the United States began a new round of talks on ways to end Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The meetings are scheduled for 10 and 11 November and are intended as working-level discussions among experts. According to diplomatic sources, the main topics are expected to be de-escalation measures, humanitarian action and possible security guarantees. The format is trilateral; other countries and institutions are not part of the talks, but are following them on the sidelines.
Washington says the United States is coordinating in parallel with European partners to discuss security issues affecting Europe. According to consistent reports, this includes consultations with the European Union, NATO as well as governments in BerlinParis and London. On Monday, the presidential administration in Kyiv said that the Ukrainian delegation had arrived in the United Arab Emirates; President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had previously spoken with US negotiators about preparations for the talks.
The talks come against a backdrop of several failed mediation attempts this year, as well as limited local agreements that enabled occasional evacuations and aid deliveries. Fundamental differences remain, however: Moscow is demanding assurances that affect Western alliance structures, while Kyiv is insisting on security guarantees that safeguard Ukraine’s territorial integrity. There has so far been no movement on how to handle territories occupied by Russia , the scope of possible guarantees or a broader ceasefire.
European capitals have tempered expectations. Participants and observers point out that these are preliminary talks, which do not automatically lead to a summit. Any results would need to be substantial and politically backed before further steps could be taken. CDU leader Friedrich Merz said beforehand that Russia would have to take serious steps towards a ceasefire for negotiations to have a chance of succeeding.
Official statements from the delegations have so far been cautious. Possible agreements could cover humanitarian corridors, prisoner exchanges or the separation of military forces along the most hotly contested sections of the front. It remains unclear whether these could produce a credible roadmap for broader negotiations. The German government and its partners in the European Union have signalled support for diplomatic efforts, but say these must uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence. Further consultations between the United States and its European allies have been announced for the coming days.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).