High-level peace talks between Ukraine and Russia held in Abu Dhabi

On November 10, 2026, a new round of high-level trilateral negotiations between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States commenced in Abu Dhabi. This marks the first such direct dialogue between Kyiv and Moscow since February 2026. The discussions, which are set to continue for two days, aim to establish a framework for ending the conflict, focusing on security guarantees, potential ceasefire conditions, and urgent humanitarian issues, including the exchange of prisoners of war and the repatriation of children.

The Ukrainian delegation is led by Rustem Umerov, while the Russian side is headed by Vladimir Medinsky. American envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are facilitating the process. European officials, including representatives from France, Germany, and the European Commission, have traveled to the United Arab Emirates to engage in separate consultations with the Ukrainian delegation, as Moscow has resisted their direct participation in the main sessions. Despite the dialogue being described by President Volodymyr Zelensky as constructive and substantial, both sides maintain significant disagreements over territorial control and the terms of any future peace agreement. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized the first day as productive, emphasizing that while progress is being made, substantial work remains to secure a lasting peace.