The United States, Russia and Ukraine are preparing for a new round of peace talks in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11, with security guarantees and a possible ceasefire at the center of negotiations aimed at ending the war.
Washington will mediate the discussions, which are expected to bring together representatives of all three countries at the working level.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump‘s son-in-law Jared Kushner are expected to represent the American delegation.
The meeting comes as the Trump administration intensifies diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
However, major disagreements remain over territorial control, security arrangements and the conditions for ending the fighting.
Security Guarantees Take Center Stage
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on November 8 that security guarantees for Ukraine would be a central issue during the negotiations.
Washington is examining arrangements intended to protect Ukraine after a potential ceasefire while addressing the broader security framework of the European continent.
Kushner outlined elements of the American proposal on November 5, following meetings in Brussels with Ukrainian, NATO and European officials.
The framework includes regular security consultations, improved crisis communication and measures intended to reduce the risk of future military escalation.
The talks are also expected to address humanitarian issues and possible steps toward de-escalation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasized that any agreement must provide credible guarantees against renewed Russian attacks.
Kyiv has also called for measures to protect energy infrastructure and maintain access to the Black Sea.
Meanwhile, Russia has continued to insist that a settlement must address what Moscow describes as the underlying causes of the conflict.
The differences between the two sides have prevented previous negotiations from producing a comprehensive ceasefire agreement.
Although the United States has expressed optimism about the diplomatic process, no peace agreement has been finalized.
European Leaders Seek Direct Involvement
European governments are also seeking a greater role in the negotiations.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said on November 8 that France and other European countries would participate in discussions in Abu Dhabi.
The precise format of their involvement has not yet been fully announced.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has also called for European participation, arguing that any settlement will directly affect the continent’s security.
The diplomatic discussions follow separate meetings between American officials and representatives of France, Germany, Britain, NATO and the European Union.
Those consultations have focused on Ukraine’s future security arrangements and the broader implications of a possible peace agreement.
President Trump has suggested that the negotiations could lead to a wider European security agreement.
However, Ukrainian and European officials continue to emphasize the importance of protecting Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The diplomatic effort is taking place while fighting continues.
Russian and Ukrainian forces exchanged major missile and drone attacks over the weekend, including strikes on energy infrastructure.
The continuing violence highlights the challenges negotiators face as they prepare to meet.
Previous US-mediated talks produced progress on some technical and humanitarian questions but failed to secure an agreement ending the war.
The Abu Dhabi meeting will therefore test whether the parties can narrow their differences over a ceasefire and postwar security.
For now, the negotiations represent another diplomatic opportunity rather than a confirmed breakthrough.
The first discussions are scheduled for Tuesday, November 10, with further meetings expected on Wednesday.
