Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed hope that the upcoming negotiations between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States in Abu Dhabi could open the door for a direct meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The trilateral working-level talks are scheduled for November 10–11, 2026. Kyiv believes these discussions could lay the groundwork for a summit between the countries’ leaders, though significant differences between Moscow and Kyiv remain unresolved.
Zelensky shared his expectations on Tuesday, November 3, in Berlin following a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. He highlighted that Ukraine is committed to further diplomatic efforts and wants to achieve a negotiation format that would allow a face-to-face meeting between the presidents.
Abu Dhabi to Host Another Attempt at Negotiations
The restart of trilateral talks was announced by US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff. According to Witkoff, representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States will meet in the capital of the United Arab Emirates on November 10 and 11.
The discussions will focus on post-war security arrangements, options to ease tensions, humanitarian issues, and further steps toward a peace agreement.
The American delegation will reportedly be led by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Washington is also preparing separate consultations with its European partners in Brussels. French, German, British, EU, and NATO representatives are expected to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine and the future structure of European security.
Zelensky Seeks Direct Talks with Putin
The Ukrainian president sees a summit at the highest political level as a crucial step forward. He stated that the Abu Dhabi negotiations and further diplomatic activity could create a pathway to a trilateral meeting of leaders.
Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine is prepared to negotiate an end to the war, but needs concrete outcomes and security guarantees. He added that a meeting between the presidents alone cannot substitute for an agreement on a ceasefire.
Zelensky has rejected the idea of meeting Putin in Moscow, and does not consider inviting the Russian president to Kyiv realistic. In the past, he has suggested Turkey as a possible alternative venue to act as a mediator.
Kremlin and Kyiv Differ on Meeting Conditions
A direct meeting between Zelensky and Putin has not yet been arranged. The Kremlin has previously indicated that such a presidential summit could take place in Moscow, a suggestion rejected by the Ukrainian president.
Disagreements go beyond the location of talks. Both sides have fundamentally different demands regarding a possible peace settlement, particularly over occupied territories and Ukraine’s security status.
Moscow has long demanded sweeping territorial concessions and control over the entire Donbas region. Kyiv refuses to formally recognize occupied areas as part of Russia and insists on preserving Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
We previously reported on the Kremlin’s territorial stance in the article “Putin rejects concessions and demands entire Donbas.”
Merz: No Signs Russia Is Ready for Serious Negotiations
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, speaking alongside Zelensky, noted that there are still no sufficient signs of Russia’s genuine willingness to discuss a ceasefire and subsequent peace agreement.
According to Merz, Moscow must demonstrate a sincere interest in a diplomatic resolution. He does not view the announcement of another round of talks as proof the end of the war is near.
Germany further reaffirms its ongoing military support for Ukraine. Berlin emphasizes that any possible peace settlement must respect Ukraine’s future security and cannot happen without Kyiv’s involvement.
Europe Wants a Role in the Peace Process
The role of European countries remains an open question. While Ukraine’s European allies provide military, financial, and humanitarian support, the format announced for the Abu Dhabi talks does not include their direct participation.
The United States is, however, planning consultations with European officials in Brussels. These discussions are expected to focus on security guarantees, Ukraine’s post-war recovery, and the future security arrangement for Europe.
For European states, it is essential any potential agreement does not affect the continent’s security without their involvement. Meanwhile, Ukraine needs assurances that a ceasefire would not be only a temporary pause before another Russian offensive.
We discuss Kyiv’s involvement in decision-making further in the article “Zelensky insists on talks about Ukraine with Kyiv’s participation.”
Talks to Proceed Amid Ongoing Fighting
These diplomatic efforts are taking place as the war in Ukraine continues, with attacks still hitting civilian infrastructure. Zelensky thus emphasizes the need to strengthen air defenses and secure protection for energy facilities.
Ukraine also demands that negotiations go beyond general statements about peace. Topics for discussion include potential partial ceasefires in energy and maritime areas, as well as prisoner exchanges.
Previous diplomatic initiatives have not achieved a lasting halt to the fighting. It remains uncertain, therefore, whether the November meeting in the United Arab Emirates will yield concrete progress.
More on previous contacts between American envoys and Ukrainian leadership can be found in the article “Trump’s envoys leave Kyiv. Zelensky talks about a return to peace talks.”
Presidential Meeting Still Uncertain
Zelensky’s hope for personal negotiations with Putin remains a diplomatic goal, not an agreed event. The immediate next step will be negotiating teams meeting in Abu Dhabi.
The results of those talks will show whether Moscow and Kyiv are ready to discuss a ceasefire and security arrangements. Only then may the prospect of a presidential summit become clearer.
Major obstacles persist, including Russia’s territorial demands, Ukraine’s refusal to cede land, and questions over security guarantees. Until these are resolved, renewed negotiations alone do not signal the war’s end.
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This article was translated from the original Slovak version with the assistance of AI.
