Zelenskyy: Moscow Signals Intent for November Abu Dhabi Talks

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Tuesday that Russia appears prepared to hold a trilateral meeting of negotiating teams in Abu Dhabi in early November. The Ukrainian president made the remarks during a press conference, noting that European partners had recently communicated a common position to Vladimir Putin.

Zelenskyy said the agenda for the technical discussions would focus on initial de-escalation measures and security priorities for Ukraine. The specific topics identified by the Ukrainian side include energy stability, maritime security, and the exchange of prisoners of war.

The president explained that Kyiv discussed these topics with American partners. He noted that the agenda also includes determining the format for a future leadership-level meeting.

Zelenskyy indicated that a briefing took place in Oslo regarding the planned November meeting. European leaders conveyed that they wished to discuss these matters with the Russian president. The goal was to align positions before the technical groups convene.

According to Zelenskyy, some partners spoke with Putin on the morning of October 27. They reported that the Russian leader expressed interest in the proposed timeline. Zelenskyy described these as indications that Moscow is serious about the Abu Dhabi meeting.

The Ukrainian president highlighted that security guarantees remain a central point of negotiation. He stated that both the United States and Europe are currently processing requests for such guarantees from Ukraine. He added that Russia has raised the same question, indicating it also seeks security assurances.

Zelenskyy said the timing of the early November meeting depends on the American side. He referenced a phone call between Putin and Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. During that conversation, Putin focused on the initial causes of the conflict rather than methods for ending the war.