US to Mediate Trilateral Ukraine-Russia Talks in Abu Dhabi on November 10-11

The United States will mediate trilateral working-level talks between Ukraine and Russia in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11, 2026, US special envoy Steve Witkoff announced on November 2.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the dates the following day. Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky will lead Moscow's delegation. Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to represent the United States. The agenda covers post-war security agreements, de-escalation, humanitarian efforts and steps toward ending the conflict, now in its fifth year.

These are the first US-mediated trilateral meetings since February 2026. That earlier round was interrupted when the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran. Witkoff said the new talks build on progress made in meetings in Kyiv, Oslo and St Petersburg. Putin agreed to the format after meeting Witkoff in St Petersburg two weeks earlier.

Before the Abu Dhabi sessions, US negotiators plan to meet representatives of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the European Union and NATO in Brussels. Those discussions will address security guarantees for Ukraine, Europe's post-war security architecture and economic support for reconstruction.

Abu Dhabi has hosted previous rounds. Emirati mediation has facilitated dozens of prisoner exchanges, returning more than 8,500 people from both sides by late October. The UAE maintains channels with all three parties, which has made it a recurring venue.

Ukraine and Russia remain far apart on core terms. Kyiv has sought security guarantees and the withdrawal of Russian forces. Moscow has insisted on recognition of territorial changes and limits on Ukraine's military and alliances. A limited local ceasefire around Oleshky allowed some humanitarian movement in recent weeks, but no broader pause is in place.

Winter is approaching. Energy infrastructure has been a repeated target of Russian strikes. Ukrainian officials have described the coming months as critical for heating and power supplies. The talks occur against that calendar.

Trump has repeatedly stated his goal of ending the war. Progress has been limited. The midterm election results in the United States, which shifted control of Congress to Democrats, add another variable. New majorities may review funding and oversight related to the conflict, though the immediate negotiating track remains with the executive branch.

Medinsky has served as Russia's chief negotiator in prior rounds. His continued role signals continuity in Moscow's approach. Ukrainian participation is expected at a working level, with higher political decisions reserved for later stages if the talks produce agreements.

The meetings will not resolve the war in two days. They test whether the parties can move from statements of principle to concrete arrangements on security, force postures and humanitarian access. The choice of Abu Dhabi keeps the process outside the capitals most directly involved in the fighting.