Ukraine and Russia show private flexibility before Abu Dhabi talks
US officials say both sides are willing to compromise on eastern territories, a move that could reshape the upcoming trilateral negotiations.
By Nia Foster ·
Ukraine and Russia have privately signaled flexibility regarding control of Ukraine’s eastern regions ahead of peace talks in Abu Dhabi, according to a BBC report citing US officials. The negotiations are scheduled for November 10 and 11 and will mark the first trilateral meetings involving Kyiv, Moscow, and Washington since February.
The talks occur as the fifth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion approaches. Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Donald Trump, is joining peace envoy Steve Witkoff on the US delegation. Kushner stated that the discussions will address the security concerns of both nations following the war.
Neither Moscow nor Kyiv has publicly conceded ground on their demands. However, a US official indicated that public positions do not fully reflect private flexibility. The official noted that a settlement on Donetsk and other territorial questions depends on establishing post-conflict security arrangements, with neither issue capable of being finalized separately.
The proposed security framework includes consultations, communication channels for crises, and tension-reduction measures. Officials have also discussed restoring the NATO-Russia Council, which has been suspended since 2022. Washington intends to propose a broader negotiating format involving European countries, though a US official acknowledged Russian reluctance to engage with them.
Ukraine’s delegation includes Foreign Intelligence Service chief Rustem Umierov and Kyrylo Budanov, head of the President’s Office. They will be joined by Serhii Kyslytsia, first deputy head of the President’s Office; Vadym Skibitskyi, deputy head of Defence Intelligence; and Davyd Arakhamiia, who leads the Servant of the People parliamentary faction.
Representatives from the European Commission, European Council, Germany, France, and the UK are expected to attend at the security adviser level. The chief of staff to the NATO secretary general will also be present. Kushner and Witkoff are scheduled to meet European representatives before the trilateral discussions begin.
Ukrainian officials do not anticipate a breakthrough at the initial meeting but hope the second round will deliver progress. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on November 9 that Ukrainian troops were strengthening the country’s position in negotiations after a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff.
