Overview
- The United States will mediate working‑level negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in Abu Dhabi on Nov. 10–11, a schedule announced by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff.
- U.S. representation is expected to be led by Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who have run recent shuttle diplomacy in Kyiv, Oslo and St. Petersburg to reopen talks.
- Russia has confirmed its participation and named Vladimir Medinsky as chief of its delegation, while Kyiv insists any deal must include strong security guarantees and European involvement.
- U.S. negotiators will meet representatives from France, Germany, the UK, the EU, NATO and the World Bank in Brussels on Nov. 4 to discuss security guarantees and reconstruction plans for Ukraine.
- Observers and officials caution the talks are preparatory because deep territorial disputes, ongoing Russian strikes and doubts about enforceable guarantees mean a major breakthrough is unlikely in the near term.