The United States, Ukraine and Russia will hold two days of talks in Abu Dhabi, starting Tuesday, November 11. The US is acting as the go-between. The main topic is expected to be security guarantees for Ukraine. Ukraine wants a firm promise that it will be safe from another Russian attack.
The aim is to find a way to end the war. But a full peace deal is unlikely, because the two sides still disagree on land and on Ukraine’s future security. The war is close to entering its fifth year. This is the first meeting of all three countries since February. The talks are likely to cover steps to lower tensions, help for people hurt by the war, and what it would take to reach a lasting deal. Experts and officials expect small, technical gains rather than a big breakthrough.
Who is going
Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will speak for the US. Rustem Umerov, head of Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service, will lead the Ukrainian team. European officials are also expected to take part or stay in touch, since any security plan will affect Europe too.
Security guarantees at the centre
Ukraine wants a solid promise that Russia cannot attack it again. Russia wants limits on what NATO can do and wants its own security worries addressed. The hard part is finding a plan that can stop Russia from attacking again and that Moscow will still accept. No details of any such plan have been made public.
Black Sea ceasefire and energy strikes
The talks may also cover a ceasefire in the Black Sea and limits on attacks on power and energy sites. No terms have been agreed so far. The sides may also discuss another prisoner swap and other aid steps. Even if they fail to end the war, these could count as small progress.
Why a big deal is unlikely
Land and Ukraine’s future ties with the West remain the biggest roadblocks. Russia’s stand on territory and Ukraine’s wish to protect its freedom make compromise hard. Neither side seems ready to give in openly. More likely results are an agreement to keep talking, to keep working on a Black Sea ceasefire, to hold back on energy strikes, to swap prisoners, or to meet again.
Why it matters
Earlier rounds brought no clear results. Both sides are still firing long-range strikes, so fighting and talks are going on together. The real test is whether the three countries can turn broad ideas into clear steps that can be checked, especially on security guarantees and cutting down attacks. Even a small deal on aid or fewer attacks would be a step forward.