US to mediate Ukraine-Russia talks in Abu Dhabi
The United States will mediate working-level talks between Ukraine and Russia in Abu Dhabi on November 10–11, with post-war security and de-escalation high on the agenda.
US prepares for renewed diplomatic efforts
Ahead of the Abu Dhabi meeting, American negotiators will travel to Brussels to meet representatives from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the European Union and NATO.
The discussions will focus on security guarantees for Ukraine, Europe's post-war security architecture and economic opportunities to support the country's reconstruction.
“Discussions will focus on post-war security arrangements, de-escalation, humanitarian efforts, and next steps toward peace,” said US special envoy Steve Witkoff in a statement posted on X.
The latest diplomatic initiative follows months of stalled negotiations. The previous trilateral round involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States took place in Geneva on February 17–18 but ended without a major breakthrough.
The diplomatic process was subsequently put on hold after the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran on February 28.
Moscow signalled its readiness to resume negotiations in late October, raising expectations of renewed diplomatic contacts.
The United States will mediate working-level negotiations between Ukraine and Russia on November 10–11 in Abu Dhabi, advancing President Trump’s mission to end the war. Discussions will focus on post-war security arrangements, de-escalation, humanitarian efforts, and next steps toward peace. Additionally, American negotiators will meet this week in Brussels with representatives from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the EU, and NATO to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine, Europe’s post-war security architecture, and economic opportunities to support Ukraine’s reconstruction. We look forward to building on the progress made in Kyiv, Oslo, and St. Petersburg toward a comprehensive, durable peace agreement that delivers lasting security for generations to come.
— Special Envoy Steve Witkoff (@SEPeaceMissions) November 2, 2026
Russian strikes continue as diplomatic efforts resume
Meanwhile, Russian attacks on Ukraine continue. Ukrainian authorities said 26 people were killed on Monday in Russian strikes on a school in Komyshuvakha, in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region.
The school was being used as a humanitarian aid distribution point. Five other people were injured, according to Ukrainian officials.
In the southern Kherson region, fighting and Russian shelling resumed after a brief local ceasefire expired. The truce had been negotiated to facilitate the evacuation of Oleshky, a town under Russian occupation.
The renewed diplomatic contacts come amid continued hostilities and persistent disagreements over the terms of a potential peace settlement.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
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