The key facts

  • Russia, Ukraine and US talks in Abu Dhabi are scheduled for November 10–11
  • The Russian delegation will be led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, the Ukrainian one by the head of the presidential office Kyrylo Budanov
  • Kyiv intends to discuss security guarantees, the country's reconstruction, energy, the Black Sea and prisoner exchanges

Format and timing of the talks

Trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States, with Washington acting as mediator, will take place in Abu Dhabi on November 10–11. The timing was announced by US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff, while the participation of the Russian delegation was confirmed by the press secretary of the Russian president, Dmitry Peskov. The Russian delegation will be led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky.

Composition of the Ukrainian delegation and Kyiv's agenda

On November 6 it became known that the Ukrainian delegation will be led by the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov. The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, listed the topicsthat Kyiv intends to discuss: security guarantees for Ukraine, the country's reconstruction, an end to strikes on the energy sector and in the Black Sea, prisoner exchanges, as well as preparations for a leaders-level meeting.

Assessments of the US role

Russian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Konstantin Dolgov suggested that Washington could help reach an agreement at the talks, but tied any movement to pressure on the Ukrainian side. «Movement is possible if adequate pressure is applied by Washington on [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelensky. This entire negotiating track has long been frozen, and now we will see what kind of probing it will be. I personally have no particular expectations,» NSN quoted him as saying. Thus, ahead of the meeting a broad range of topics has been announced, but public assessments of its outcome remain restrained; nothing is yet known about any agreements.