Ukraine Targets Second Round of Abu Dhabi Peace Talks for Real Progress
Negotiators expect the first session with Russia and the US on Nov. 10 to focus on rebuilding communication channels after a long pause.
By Tomas Gonzalez ·
Ukraine expects little in the way of immediate breakthroughs from the first session of its peace talks with Russia and the United States. The initial round of trilateral negotiations is scheduled for November 10 and 11, 2026, in Abu Dhabi. Ukrainian officials are directing their primary hopes toward the second round of discussions, which will follow the opening meeting. This cautious approach reflects the reality that the negotiation process has been suspended for a long period. Reestablishing direct contact is currently viewed as a major step in itself.
Davyd Arakhamiia, leader of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction and a key Ukrainian representative, outlined this strategy in an interview with DW. He stated that the team has minimal expectations for the first meeting. The long break in talks means the initial session serves as a foundational step rather than a decisive moment for closing gaps between the parties. Arakhamiia noted, "I don't think so," when asked about the likelihood of an immediate breakthrough. He added, "I'll tell you why: there was a big break for the negotiations. So internally we know that renewing trilateral talks is an achievement by itself. So that's why the first talks, we have minimal expectations. But the second round, we have expectations."
The composition of the Ukrainian delegation underscores the sensitivity of the talks. The team includes senior officials from both the intelligence services and the presidential administration. Rustem Umierov, Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, and Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the President's Office, will represent Ukraine. Serhii Kyslytsia, First Deputy Head of the President's Office, and Vadym Skibitskyi, Deputy Head of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, are also part of the group. Arakhamiia will join them in Abu Dhabi. This mix of security and political expertise allows Ukraine to address both military concerns and broader political frameworks in a unified manner.
A specific diplomatic track is planned between Washington and Europe before the formal start of the three-party talks. US special envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff will hold a dedicated meeting with European representatives. This preliminary session aims to align positions and strategies between the American delegation and its European partners. The goal is to ensure a coordinated approach before the main parties sit down together. This step is designed to streamline the process and reduce friction among the Western allies supporting the peace effort.
High-level participation from European institutions and key allied nations is expected at the Abu Dhabi meetings. Representatives from the European Commission and the European Council will attend at the security adviser level. Germany, France, and Britain will also send senior officials to observe the proceedings. Additionally, the chief of staff to the NATO Secretary General will be present. This broad coalition of observers signals the importance the international community places on the outcome of these negotiations. The presence of these figures indicates a coordinated effort to support the peace process from multiple geopolitical angles.
Regarding the role of the United States, Arakhamiia observed that Washington has not clearly chosen a side in the conflict. He described the American approach as attempting to remain as "symmetrical" as possible in its interactions with both Kyiv and Moscow. This perceived neutrality is viewed as a critical factor in the US ability to mediate effectively between the two belligerents. The US delegation seeks to maintain its position as a neutral arbiter while pushing for a resolution. This stance aims to keep both Ukraine and Russia engaged in the process.
The focus will shift from preparatory meetings to direct dialogue as the November 10 and 11 window approaches. The first round may yield few tangible concessions, given the strategic decision to keep expectations low. Success in the second round will likely depend on the groundwork laid during these initial days in Abu Dhabi. The international community is watching closely to see if the renewed contact can translate into substantive progress toward a lasting peace. The outcome of these early sessions will set the tone for future negotiations and the overall trajectory of the peace process.
