Trilateral Talks in Abu Dhabi: Russia, Ukraine, and the US Seek Peace

In a significant diplomatic effort, Russia, Ukraine, and the United States have commenced trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi, aiming to address the ongoing conflict that has persisted since Russia's invasion in 2022. The discussions, which involve key representatives from NATO and European nations, focus on security guarantees and potential pathways to peace. However, substantial disagreements remain between the parties, particularly regarding territorial claims and military limitations. As the conflict nears its five-year mark, the outcome of these talks could have profound implications for regional stability and security.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 10, 2026, 15:38 IST

Initiation of Trilateral Discussions

The trilateral discussions involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States commenced in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, with the UAE hosting the event. (Photo:@mfa_russia/X)

Abu Dhabi, Nov 10: The three-way negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States kicked off on Tuesday, as confirmed by the head of Ukraine's delegation.

Rustem Umerov, who leads Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service, announced on social media that the discussions have transitioned into a trilateral format involving the three nations, following preliminary talks with NATO and European representatives.

Umerov indicated that the day began with a gathering of the Ukrainian team alongside US officials and delegates from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, NATO, and the European Commission.

He stated, "We will now proceed to a trilateral format that includes Ukraine, the United States, and Russia," in a post on social media.

According to Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, the Russian delegation has arrived at the venue for the discussions.

The United States is intensifying efforts to bring an end to the ongoing conflict between Moscow and Kyiv, following three rounds of negotiations earlier this year. This conflict, which is the largest in Europe since World War II, began with Russia's full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022.

The two-day meeting in Abu Dhabi, marking the first such gathering since February, will concentrate on security guarantees.

Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former US President Donald Trump, shared on social media that he and fellow envoy Steve Witkoff are striving for a "negotiated solution that can ensure lasting peace and establish conditions for a sovereign, secure, and prosperous Ukraine within a more stable European security framework."

However, the Russian and Ukrainian governments remain significantly divided on crucial aspects of any potential agreement to conclude the ongoing war, which is approaching its five-year anniversary.

President Vladimir Putin of Russia is demanding that Ukraine withdraw its forces from Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson—regions that Moscow annexed in September 2022 but has not fully secured.

Additionally, he insists that Ukraine abandon its NATO membership aspirations, accept stringent military limitations, and lift restrictions on the Russian language and the Moscow-aligned Orthodox Church in Ukraine.

Putin seeks a comprehensive peace agreement based on these stipulations and is unwilling to agree to a general ceasefire, arguing that it would merely allow Ukrainian forces to recuperate and restock their armaments.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was in Denmark on Tuesday, firmly opposes Putin's demands to relinquish territory that Russia has failed to capture through military means.

Zelenskyy also rejects any constraints on Ukraine's military capabilities or its partnerships with Western allies, viewing these as vital security assurances against further Russian aggression.

Ukraine contends that an immediate ceasefire is essential for initiating broader negotiations and asserts that a direct meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy is the only viable way to resolve territorial disputes.