Kyiv sees signs Russia will hold November talks in Abu Dhabi

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told journalists on October 28 that Kyiv now has reasons to believe Russia will take part in a meeting of negotiating teams in Abu Dhabi. The discussion is scheduled for early November and involves technical groups from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States.

Zelenskyy explained that the agenda for this gathering was outlined during a recent briefing in Oslo. The meeting aims to cover three main areas: initial steps to de-escalate the conflict, security priorities for Ukraine, and the overall plan to end the war. He noted that Kyiv discussed these specific topics with American partners before sharing them with other allies.

According to the Ukrainian leader, several European partners spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the morning of October 27. These leaders conveyed a shared position to Putin and listened to his response. Zelenskyy stated that these contacts resulted in indications that the Russian side is serious about proceeding with the Abu Dhabi meeting.

The technical session will focus on practical matters rather than high-level politics. Zelenskyy listed the exchange of prisoners of war and their return to their families as a key item. The group will also discuss de-escalation measures related to energy infrastructure and maritime operations. A final part of the agenda involves determining the format for a future trilateral meeting at the leadership level.

Security guarantees remain a central point of contention for all parties. Zelenskyy said Ukraine has made a direct request to the United States and European nations on this matter. He added that Russia has raised the same issue, stating that it also requires security guarantees. This mutual demand is the current state of negotiations as of today.

The timing of the November meeting depends on the American side. Zelenskyy noted that while the technical teams are preparing, the final decision rests with Washington. He also referenced a separate phone call between Putin, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. In that conversation, Putin spent most of the time discussing the initial causes of the conflict instead of focusing on how to end it.

The upcoming talks in Abu Dhabi represent the next step in the diplomatic process. Kyiv has presented its agenda, and the partners have confirmed that Russia is willing to engage. The technical teams will now work through the listed items before any leaders meet.