November 5, 2026 | International News

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has held discussions with US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, as preparations continue for another round of diplomatic negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The discussions focused on preparations for upcoming trilateral negotiations involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States, which are expected to take place in Abu Dhabi on November 10–11.

According to a report published by Russia’s TASS news agency, Zelensky contacted the two American representatives by phone. Footage of the conversation was released by Ukrainian television channel TSN.

Abu Dhabi to Host Important Diplomatic Discussions

The planned meeting in the United Arab Emirates could provide another opportunity for the three countries to discuss possible ways of addressing the ongoing conflict.

The proposed negotiations follow renewed diplomatic contacts between Moscow and Washington regarding the Ukrainian crisis.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated that Moscow is prepared to resume trilateral discussions. Presidential aide Yury Ushakov previously suggested that Abu Dhabi could host the next round of negotiations around November 10.

The participation of American representatives is particularly significant because Washington has been involved in diplomatic efforts to bring the two sides closer to a negotiated settlement.

Brussels Consultations Add to Diplomatic Preparations

Apart from the planned Abu Dhabi meeting, Ukrainian, American and European technical groups are also conducting consultations in Brussels.

These discussions are part of wider diplomatic preparations surrounding the proposed negotiations.

The involvement of European representatives highlights the importance of coordinating positions among Ukraine’s international partners before any potential agreement is discussed.

However, differences over security arrangements, territorial questions and the conditions for a sustainable settlement remain major challenges.

Washington Continues Its Diplomatic Engagement

The involvement of Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner reflects the Trump administration’s continued engagement with efforts to find a diplomatic solution.

The United States has maintained contacts with both Moscow and Kyiv, seeking opportunities to advance negotiations.

Nevertheless, the success of the upcoming discussions will depend on whether the participating governments can identify common ground on the central issues separating them.

Major Questions Remain Ahead of the Meeting

Although preparations are underway, the announcement of another diplomatic meeting does not necessarily mean that an agreement is close.

Russia and Ukraine continue to have significant differences over the future security arrangements and political conditions required to end the conflict.

The Abu Dhabi negotiations could provide an opportunity to clarify the positions of the three governments and examine possible areas of compromise.

For now, international attention is focused on November 10–11, when representatives of Russia, Ukraine and the United States are expected to meet for another round of discussions.

The outcome could influence the direction of future diplomatic engagement, although substantial negotiations will likely be necessary before any comprehensive settlement becomes possible.