ABU DHABI, November 10, 2026 — Russia, Ukraine and the United States have begun a new round of trilateral negotiations in Abu Dhabi, marking an important diplomatic effort to find a possible path towards ending the prolonged war between Moscow and Kyiv.

The two-day discussions, scheduled for November 10 and 11, are being facilitated by Washington and are expected to focus on security arrangements, reducing military escalation, humanitarian concerns and the possibilities for a lasting peace agreement.

The latest negotiations represent the first trilateral meeting involving the three countries since February, raising hopes that diplomatic engagement could regain momentum after months of stalled discussions.

However, major disagreements remain, particularly over territorial questions, Ukraine’s future security arrangements and the role of European countries in any final settlement.

US Takes Centre Stage in Renewed Peace Effort

The United States is playing a central role in bringing the Russian and Ukrainian delegations back to the negotiating table.

US President Donald Trump’s representatives, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are participating in the diplomatic process.

Washington is seeking progress on several interconnected issues, including post-war security guarantees, measures to prevent renewed fighting, humanitarian arrangements and economic recovery for Ukraine.

The American initiative reflects an effort to move beyond temporary diplomatic contacts towards a broader framework that could eventually support a negotiated settlement.

Russia and Ukraine Send Senior Delegations

Both Moscow and Kyiv have appointed senior officials to represent their interests during the Abu Dhabi discussions.

Russia’s delegation is led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky and includes senior diplomatic, military and intelligence officials.

Ukraine’s negotiating team is headed by Rustem Umerov, head of the country’s Foreign Intelligence Service. Other senior Ukrainian representatives are also participating in the discussions.

The presence of experienced political, diplomatic and security officials highlights the importance both sides are placing on the latest round of negotiations.

Europe Seeks a Role in Ukraine’s Future Security

European countries are also seeking greater involvement in discussions concerning the future of Ukraine and regional security.

Representatives from France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Italy, along with officials from the European Union and NATO, are holding separate consultations with Ukrainian and American representatives in Abu Dhabi.

Their involvement is particularly important because any long-term peace arrangement could have significant consequences for European security, defence planning and economic stability.

However, Russia has maintained that the main negotiations should remain a trilateral process involving Moscow, Kyiv and Washington.

This disagreement over Europe’s participation illustrates one of the diplomatic challenges facing the latest initiative.

Security Guarantees Remain a Major Obstacle

One of the most difficult issues is determining how Ukraine could be protected against another military attack if a peace agreement is reached.

Kyiv wants reliable international security guarantees that would discourage future aggression and provide confidence in any settlement.

Moscow, meanwhile, is pushing for a broader European security framework that addresses its own strategic concerns.

The two positions remain significantly different, making it difficult for negotiators to identify mutually acceptable arrangements.

The question of territory also remains unresolved and could become another major obstacle to an agreement.

Humanitarian Issues and Prisoner Exchanges on the Agenda

Beyond military and political questions, the negotiations are expected to address humanitarian priorities.

Ukraine has expressed interest in expanding prisoner exchanges and securing arrangements that could reduce suffering among civilians affected by the conflict.

Other subjects include protecting energy infrastructure, maintaining safe navigation through the Black Sea and exploring possibilities for humanitarian pauses.

An agreement on even limited humanitarian measures could provide some relief to communities that have experienced years of disruption, displacement and insecurity.

Russia Calls for a Broader European Security Framework

Russia has indicated that the discussions should extend beyond the immediate question of ending the war in Ukraine.

A Russian delegation source described the creation of a comprehensive European security framework as a central objective.

The proposed approach would seek mechanisms to reduce military threats, improve communication between countries and prevent future regional confrontations.

This position suggests that Moscow views the negotiations as an opportunity to discuss the wider security architecture of Europe, rather than focusing exclusively on the battlefield situation in Ukraine.

Can the Abu Dhabi Talks Produce a Breakthrough?

Despite renewed diplomatic activity, expectations of an immediate breakthrough remain cautious.

Russia and Ukraine continue to hold different positions on several fundamental issues, including territorial arrangements, security guarantees and the conditions required to end military operations.

The participation of the United States provides an opportunity to facilitate communication, but reaching an agreement will require compromises that both sides are prepared to accept.

The international community will be watching closely to see whether the Abu Dhabi meetings produce practical steps towards de-escalation or open the door to further negotiations.

For now, the resumption of direct trilateral discussions represents an important diplomatic development. Whether it becomes the beginning of a lasting peace process will depend on the willingness of Moscow and Kyiv to move beyond their existing differences.