Russia, Ukraine and the US are preparing for fresh trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11, as diplomatic efforts to end the war gather pace….reports Asian Lite News Desk
Russia, Ukraine and the United States are preparing to resume trilateral peace talks in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11, with the United Arab Emirates set to host a fresh round of diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war.
Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed the planned negotiations on Friday, saying Moscow would send a delegation led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky to the UAE capital. The talks are expected to focus on security guarantees, de-escalation, humanitarian concerns and possible steps towards a peaceful settlement.
The announcement follows telephone conversations between Putin, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, held at the request of the Finnish and Norwegian sides. The leaders exchanged views on efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict, including Putin’s recent discussions with US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and contacts involving Stubb, Støre and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
According to a statement from the Kremlin, the three leaders welcomed the agreement to resume trilateral negotiations in Abu Dhabi in early to mid-November. The discussions are expected to include proposals for ensuring the security of both Russia and Ukraine following a complete cessation of hostilities.
Putin outlined Moscow’s position on the conflict, reiterating what he described as its root causes and saying a lasting peace would require Russia’s interests to be fully considered. He also criticised what he called the confrontational policies of the European Union and NATO, arguing that they were contributing to the continuation of hostilities.
The Russian president also discussed security in the Baltic Sea and Northern Europe with the Finnish and Norwegian leaders. Stubb and Støre underlined the importance of respecting international maritime law and maintaining freedom of navigation.
During the conversations, Putin informed the two leaders that a US-mediated humanitarian operation was under way near the Russian community of Aleshki. He said a temporary ceasefire had been introduced in the Kherson sector of the frontline to facilitate the operation.
The three leaders agreed to maintain direct telephone contact in the future.
Delegations prepare for Abu Dhabi talks
Putin discussed preparations for the negotiations with members of Russia’s Security Council on November 6. Russian state news agencies reported that officials expected to take part in the talks attended the meeting.
The Russian delegation will be headed by Medinsky and include Deputy Foreign Ministers Sergei Ryabkov and Mikhail Galuzin, military intelligence chief Igor Kostyukov and senior General Staff officer Yury Zhargarlov, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
Ryabkov, who oversees Russia’s relations with the United States and arms control issues, is expected to participate in the negotiations for the first time. Medinsky, Galuzin and Kostyukov have taken part in previous rounds of discussions.
Ukraine’s delegation will be led by Rustem Umerov, head of the country’s National Security and Defence Council, according to reports. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff Kyrylo Budanov and parliamentary faction leader David Arakhamia are also expected to participate.
The Abu Dhabi meeting will mark the first round of trilateral US-mediated negotiations between Russia and Ukraine since February.
The renewed diplomatic push comes as Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure continue, while Washington seeks to secure a negotiated end to Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The UAE’s role as host places Abu Dhabi at the centre of the latest international effort to bring the two sides back to the negotiating table.
