Ukraine, Russia, and the United States Prepare for Technical Peace Talks in Abu Dhabi

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a technical-level meeting of Ukraine, Russia and the United States in Abu Dhabi. The summit would be the first face-to-face dialogue between Kyiv and Moscow since the United States lifted sanctions on Russia. Zelensky said the talks could occur as early as a week after the U.S. midterm elections, aiming to restart negotiations and achieve limited de-escalation steps.

Kyiv IndependentNew York Post

The conflict has now lasted more than four and a half years, and diplomatic activity has intensified ahead of the U.S. midterms. In early September, U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner traveled to Kyiv and Moscow, securing an agreement in principle to hold a trilateral meeting. After an eight-month pause, Russia signaled willingness to resume talks following Witkoff’s visit to Moscow in late October.

Kyiv Independent

Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s readiness to discuss “any kind of format” and “sensitive topics,” stressing that an immediate ceasefire remains Kyiv’s primary demand. He noted that the technical groups are expected to address energy security, prisoner exchanges and possible formats for a future leaders-level summit.

Kyiv Independent

Russia, in a phone call with Finnish and Norwegian leaders, linked any territorial discussion to broader security guarantees. Putin continues to reject a ceasefire while insisting Kyiv surrender the parts of Donbas not captured militarily.

Kyiv Independent

President Donald Trump has accused Zelensky of obstructing a peace deal and suggested the Ukrainian leader should step aside for new elections. Zelensky replied that he must defend Ukraine whenever Trump comments on the country, underscoring his responsibility to the nation.

New York Post

• The war has lasted more than four and a half years.

Kyiv Independent

• Approximately 20 % of Ukraine’s territory is under foreign occupation.

Kyiv Independent

Sources differ on how prominently an immediate ceasefire featured in recent high-level calls. One report says the ceasefire demand was “barely discussed” during a brief call between Putin, Finland’s president and Norway’s prime minister; another highlights Ukraine’s insistence on an immediate ceasefire as its main demand. No public details have been released about the specific outcomes expected from the upcoming technical meeting, leaving the scope of any agreements uncertain.

New York Post

The Abu Dhabi talks could set a precedent for regular, issue-focused negotiations, potentially easing humanitarian pressures such as the temporary truce in Oleshky, Kherson Oblast. Progress on energy security and prisoner exchanges may improve conditions for civilians in occupied areas. Enduring disagreements over Donbas and broader security guarantees suggest any breakthrough will likely be incremental rather than a comprehensive settlement.

Kyiv Independent

• “When he says something about Ukraine, I respond because I have a responsibility to defend our country,” — Volodymyr Zelensky

New York Post

• “They had the impression the Russians are serious about the meeting in Abu Dhabi,” — Volodymyr Zelensky

Kyiv Independent

• “The agenda should cover the following issues: initial steps toward de-escalation, the main priorities for the Ukrainian side — particularly security priorities — and, more broadly, ending this war,” — Volodymyr Zelensky

Kyiv Independent

• “Russia links the issue of territories to ending the war, security guarantees, and the possible forms those guarantees could take,” — Volodymyr Zelensky

Kyiv Independent