Russian and Ukrainian officials have begun their first US-brokered peace talks since February, as President Donald Trump intensifies diplomatic efforts to end the war that has devastated Ukraine for more than four years.
The two-day negotiations opened in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, November 10, with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner leading mediation efforts. The renewed discussions follow Trump’s recent remarks that a broad agreement could be possible, potentially addressing both the war in Ukraine and wider European security arrangements.
Speaking at the opening of the meeting, Kushner said recent engagements with both sides had helped narrow differences, adding that Trump was committed to finding a solution that would bring an end to the conflict and allow both countries to pursue a more stable future.
Ukraine’s delegation, led by chief negotiator Rustem Umerov, has emphasised the need for lasting peace and credible security guarantees. Russia’s delegation is headed by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, who expressed hope for progress in the interests of both nations.
However, significant obstacles remain. Moscow continues to demand control of the entire eastern Donbas region, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected surrendering territory defended by Ukrainian forces. Kyiv has also insisted that any discussion of territorial arrangements must be considered alongside adequate security guarantees.
European governments are also seeking a greater role in the negotiations, arguing that any lasting settlement must address the continent’s wider security concerns. Representatives from France, Germany, Britain, the European Union and NATO have held separate discussions with Ukrainian and US officials, although Russia has resisted direct European participation in the main talks.
The negotiations mark an important diplomatic opening after months without US-mediated discussions between Moscow and Kyiv. While no immediate breakthrough is guaranteed, Washington is hoping the renewed engagement will create a pathway towards ending the war, securing Ukraine’s future and establishing a more stable European security framework.
For now, the world will be watching closely to see whether Trump’s latest diplomatic push can turn renewed dialogue into a concrete peace agreement.
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