Russia rejects a 'freeze' of the conflict in Ukraine on the eve of talks in Abu Dhabi

Russia's position at the UN Security Council

Russia will not agree to a freeze of the conflict in Ukraine, because, according to Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya, it would preserve security threats to Moscow and create conditions for further escalation. Speaking at a meeting of the UN Security Council, he said that Russia's position 'remains unchanged' and that a settlement must be comprehensive and long-term, eliminating the 'root causes' of the crisis — among which he cited strategic threats from the West, violations of the rights of the Russian-speaking population, and the spread of neo-Nazi ideology. His remarks were reported by Gazeta.Ru citing RIA Novosti and The National.

Context: the talks in Abu Dhabi

The statement came a day before the opening of talks between the United States, Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi. Nebenzya accused Ukraine and Western countries of trying to replace a full-fledged settlement with 'so-called ceasefires' — on energy, food and the sea — behind which, in his words, lies the West's desire to give Kyiv a breather to make up for losses and rearm. He also warned European states against preparing for a direct military confrontation with Russia, noting that such a conflict could escalate quickly.

Kyiv's reaction and position on the summit

Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the UN Andriy Melnyk called the talks in Abu Dhabi a possible way forward, but warned that a breakthrough was unlikely 'without a summit at the highest level.' According to him, Volodymyr Zelensky is ready to meet with Vladimir Putin as early as December — potentially on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Florida or in any location outside Moscow. At the same time, Melnyk said the problem is that Putin 'is still clinging to the illusion' that he can break Ukraine's will. Latvia's Foreign Minister Baiba Braže, who holds the Security Council presidency in November, accused Russia of undermining the European security architecture and violating the principles of the UN Charter.

What is known about the negotiation process

The National recalls that US President Donald Trump, who promised to quickly end the war now heading into its sixth year, has met separately with both Zelensky and Putin — including at the summit in Alaska in August 2025. The current talks are taking place after Trump ordered sanctions exemptions for supplies of Russian diesel fuel against the backdrop of a worsening global energy crisis. Sources have not yet reported what specific agreements may be reached in Abu Dhabi.