US to mediate Ukraine-Russia talks in Abu Dhabi, envoy says

US envoy Steve Witkoff said on Monday that the United States will bring delegations from Ukraine and Russia together in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11 to discuss ending the war launched by Moscow against Kyiv, post-war security agreements, and de-escalation.

American negotiators are seeking a breakthrough to end the prolonged conflict before winter. The previous round of US-brokered talks took place in February.

In a social media post, Witkoff explained that the new discussions in Abu Dhabi will address "post-war security agreements, de-escalation, humanitarian measures, and ending the war."

A senior US official told Reuters that Witkoff and senior US negotiator Jared Kushner are expected to represent the United States at the Abu Dhabi talks.

Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to a new round of trilateral talks after meeting with Witkoff in St. Petersburg two weeks ago, marking the latest US effort to address the conflict in Europe.

The US official said American negotiators will hold working-level meetings this week in Brussels with representatives from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and NATO to discuss "security guarantees for Ukraine, the future security framework for Europe, and economic support for Ukraine's reconstruction."

The official added that these meetings build on the latest discussions among the parties and "reflect President Donald Trump's ongoing efforts to reach a lasting peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine."

Ukraine and Russia remain far apart on the terms of any potential agreement, although Trump has recently increased pressure on Ukraine to reach some form of deal.