US to mediate Ukraine-Russia talks in Abu Dhabi on 10-11 November
Steve Witkoff confirms working-level trilateral negotiations focused on post-war security, de-escalation, and humanitarian steps, the first since February.
Abu Dhabi2 min read
Last updated
The United States will bring together Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Abu Dhabi on 10 and 11 November 2026 for working-level talks aimed at ending the war, US special envoy Steve Witkoff announced.
Witkoff stated the discussions will cover post-war security arrangements, de-escalation, humanitarian efforts, and next steps toward peace. He and Jared Kushner are expected to lead the US side. The Kremlin confirmed the meetings, with presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky serving as Russia's chief negotiator. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has acknowledged the need for security guarantees on both sides as part of any settlement.
These are the first trilateral talks mediated by the United States since February 2026, before the US and Israel began military operations against Iran. Earlier rounds took place in Abu Dhabi in January and February 2026. A recent temporary ceasefire arrangement around the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky allowed limited humanitarian access and evacuations, providing a narrow practical precedent.
US officials plan preparatory meetings in Brussels this week with representatives from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and NATO. Those talks will address security guarantees for Ukraine, Europe's post-war security architecture, and economic support for reconstruction. Russia has previously demanded control of remaining Ukrainian-held areas in the Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions along with international recognition of the territories it has annexed.
The war, now in its fifth year, continues with Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and Ukrainian drone attacks reaching Russian territory. Territorial control and the status of the occupied regions remain the central obstacles. Trump administration officials have sought a breakthrough before winter intensifies operational constraints.
The Abu Dhabi format builds on direct contacts between Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg. Ukrainian officials have described recent exchanges as constructive on limited humanitarian issues while remaining distant on core territorial questions. Markets have watched the diplomatic calendar alongside the US midterm results, which reduced some uncertainty around American policy continuity.
Success in the November meetings would require movement on security guarantees and de-escalation measures that both sides have so far treated as secondary to territorial claims. Failure would leave the conflict on its current trajectory into the winter fighting season. The talks represent the most concrete diplomatic step since the interruption caused by the Iran conflict.
Whether the sessions produce a framework for further negotiation or simply restate existing positions will become clear after the two days of meetings. The involvement of senior US figures signals continued high-level attention even as domestic politics in Washington shift after the midterms.
