U.S. to Host Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks in Abu Dhabi to Secure Future Security
Special envoy Steve Witkoff announces working-level talks between Ukraine and Russia in November to discuss post-war security and peace steps.
POLICY WIRE — ABU Dhabi, UAE — The United States is set to facilitate working-level negotiations between officials from Ukraine and Russia this November, according to special envoy Steve Witkoff announced on Tuesday night.
Witkoff shared via X that the meetings are scheduled for Nov. 10 and 11 in Abu Dhabi. The discussions will reportedly prioritize post-war security frameworks, de-escalation strategies, humanitarian initiatives, and the path toward establishing a lasting peace.
American negotiators are also to meet this week with NATO and key European allies, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and France. These meetings will focus on future security guarantees for Ukraine, a central demand frequently emphasized by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in any potential settlement with Moscow.
Witkoff expressed optimism about building upon previous diplomatic progress achieved in Kyiv, Oslo, and St. Petersburg to reach a durable and comprehensive peace agreement capable of ensuring security for future generations.
During President Trump’s second term, several U.S.-mediated sessions between the two nations have resulted in low-level agreements, such as prisoner exchanges. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to demand that Ukraine recognize Russia’s unilateral annexation of territories seized during the conflict.
President Zelenskyy remains steadfast in his refusal to acknowledge territorial gains through force, a stance supported by many European allies who fear that validating such landgrabs would establish a dangerous global precedent.
The announcement of these working-level talks—in technocrats rather than top national leaders—follows the conclusion of a rare, localized ceasefire in the Kherson region on Sunday.
That brief truce allowed for humanitarian aid to reach the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky and enabled the evacuation of an unknown number of civilians. Both sides credited Melania Trump and Pope Leo for the temporary cessation of hostilities.
While the truce offered a glimmer of diplomatic hope regarding the full-scale invasion that began on Feb. 24, 2022, Russia maintained its offensive elsewhere throughout Tuesday and into the night.
Authorities reported on Tuesday that at least 29 people died in a strike on a village in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region. In the northeastern city of Kharkiv, a Russian attack on a medical facility left 25 people injured and necessitated the evacuation of approximately 200 patients.
Russia’s defense ministry claimed to have launched a “massive strike” targeting energy infrastructure and port facilities in the Odessa region. Meanwhile, the mayor of Moscow reported destroying 500 Ukrainian drones directed at the capital.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
