Working-level peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian officials are scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi on Nov. 10 and 11, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff announced.
Delegates Plan Post-War Security Arrangements in Abu Dhabi
The upcoming discussions will focus on post-war security arrangements, humanitarian efforts, and de-escalation, according to Witkoff. Ahead of the Abu Dhabi meetings, American negotiators planned to meet in Brussels with representatives from European allies and the NATO alliance—including France, Germany, and the United Kingdom—to discuss future security guarantees for Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Vladimir Medinsky will serve as Moscow’s chief negotiator at the November 10-11 talks, according to CNBC. Peskov also stated that the Kremlin hopes to finalize plans for a trilateral meeting involving the leaders of Russia, the United States, and China.
Regarding potential multi-lateral negotiations without Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the necessity of direct participation, stating, It can be acceptable only when we are at the table of negotiations,
and reiterating, Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.
Kherson Ceasefire and Humanitarian Mission in Oleshky
The diplomatic push follows a localized, six-day ceasefire in the southern Ukrainian region of Kherson that ended on Sunday. The pause in fighting was brokered to allow humanitarian supplies into the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky and to facilitate civilian evacuations. Both sides credited the truce to U.S. first lady Melania Trump and Pope Leo.
The White House announced that Melania Trump will host a summit at the White House to discuss the Kherson ceasefire. Prior to the truce, Oleshky faced desperate conditions with food and medical supplies running low for up to 2,000 remaining residents restricted by land mines and drone attacks.
While the local truce held in Oleshky, fighting continued across other regions of Ukraine. Russian strikes hit a medical facility in Kharkiv, wounding 25 people and forcing the evacuation of around 200 patients, while separate strikes in the Zaporizhzhia region killed at least 29 people. The Russian Defence Ministry reported carrying out a massive strike on energy facilities and port infrastructure in the Odesa region.
The United States will mediate working-level negotiations between Ukraine and Russia on November 10–11 in Abu Dhabi, advancing President Trump’s mission to end the war. Discussions will focus on post-war security arrangements, de-escalation, humanitarian efforts, and next steps…
Nordic Leaders Hold Telephone Conversations with Putin
In other diplomatic engagements, Finland’s president and Norway’s prime minister held telephone conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and subsequently with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Reflecting on the discussions, Støre noted, The war comes with enormous human and material costs,
and emphasized that The suffering and destruction will impact generations. In the call we stressed the importance of de-escalation.
Zelensky described the exchange as a very important result.
The discussions in Abu Dhabi build upon previous dialogues held in Oslo, St. Petersburg, and Kyiv. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff noted that American negotiators would also meet with European allies and NATO representatives in Brussels to address Ukraine’s reconstruction and security demands. Meanwhile, Ukrainian human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets confirmed that operations involving demining roads and delivering food supplies to the front-line town were underway alongside civilian evacuations. However, Russian forces maintained pressure with strikes across multiple regions, and Moscow’s mayor reported that 500 Ukrainian drones heading toward the capital were destroyed overnight.
Earlier coverage: Melania Trump Coordinates Humanitarian Ceasefire in Oleshky