US to Bring Russia and Ukraine to Negotiating Table in Abu Dhabi Next Week
The United States will oversee a new round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11, President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff announced Monday, as Washington intensifies its diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the war that has devastated Ukraine.
The discussions, scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates, will involve representatives from both countries and focus on security arrangements following a potential peace agreement, measures to reduce hostilities, humanitarian concerns, and possible steps toward a broader settlement.
“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,” Witkoff wrote on the social platform X. “Discussions will focus on post-war security arrangements, de-escalation, humanitarian efforts, and next steps toward peace.”
Ahead of the Abu Dhabi meetings, American negotiators are expected to travel to Brussels this week for consultations with representatives of France, Germany, Britain, and NATO. Those discussions will address the security commitments Ukraine might receive under a future agreement, the broader European security framework, and financial arrangements for rebuilding Ukraine after the fighting ends.
Witkoff said the administration hopes to capitalize on diplomatic contacts already conducted in several European cities and Russia.
“We look forward to building on the progress made in Kyiv, Oslo, and St. Petersburg toward a comprehensive, durable peace agreement that delivers lasting security for generations to come,” Witkoff concluded.
The announcement represents another effort by the Trump administration to bring Moscow and Kyiv closer to a negotiated settlement, although major differences remain over territory, security guarantees, and the conditions under which hostilities could end.
According to a senior American official, Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to lead the US delegation in Abu Dhabi. Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly agreed to participate in another round of trilateral discussions after meeting Witkoff in St. Petersburg approximately two weeks ago.
The upcoming negotiations would mark the resumption of direct American-mediated peace talks that were interrupted in February, before the outbreak of the US-Israel conflict with Iran. Washington is seeking progress before winter brings additional hardship to Ukrainian civilians and further strains the country’s energy infrastructure.
Despite the renewed diplomatic activity, Russia and Ukraine remain sharply divided over the conditions of a settlement, particularly territorial control and the guarantees Kyiv would receive against future Russian aggression. Trump has recently increased pressure on Ukraine to reach an agreement, while Moscow has shown little willingness to accept an immediate comprehensive ceasefire.
The diplomatic announcement came amid continued Russian attacks on Ukraine. On Monday, Russian strikes struck a humanitarian aid distribution center and nearby shelter in Komyshuvakha, in the Zaporizhzhia region, killing at least 26 people, according to Ukrainian authorities. Approximately 20 others were reported missing, with rescue operations complicated by additional Russian drone activity.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russia was preparing another major wave of attacks against Ukrainian infrastructure, potentially timed to coincide with international attention surrounding Tuesday’s American midterm elections.
Zelensky said Ukraine had “intel that Russia is preparing a new massive attack on our country,” with Russian forces focusing on “energy and logistics.”
“The assumption is basically that tomorrow the world will be watching the American midterms, and what is happening here in Ukraine, along with our difficulties with air defense and Patriot missiles, will be overlooked,” the Ukrainian president continued.
The violence followed the expiration Sunday of a rare six-day humanitarian ceasefire in the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky, in southern Ukraine. The limited agreement, facilitated through efforts involving First Lady Melania Trump, had allowed humanitarian personnel to deliver assistance and conduct evacuation operations.
