Russia, US, Ukraine Plan November Peace Talks in Abu Dhabi After Months-Long Halt

Russia, the United States, and Ukraine are planning to resume trilateral peace talks in Abu Dhabi in November, marking the first confirmed high-level discussions since negotiations stalled in February 2026[1][2][10][22]. This potential resumption of dialogue offers a new diplomatic pathway for a conflict now in its fifth year, following months of stalled efforts and shifting international focus[10][19].

Plans for November Talks

Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov stated on October 21 that a new series of three-way discussions may occur in Abu Dhabi around mid-November[1]. Ushakov shared this information during an interview with state television channel Vesti, confirming Abu Dhabi as the selected location and indicating that parties agreed to hold talks around the middle of next month[1]. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov further elaborated on Friday, October 23, that trilateral talks are planned for the first half of November in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates[2][10][14]. Peskov specified that these talks would focus on "security issues for both countries -- Russia and Ukraine -- following the transition to a peaceful settlement"[2][14]. While Moscow has suggested talks could take place "around November 10," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for discussions "as soon as possible"[3][10][12]. Peskov added that while the initial format would be trilateral, the possible participation of European countries could not be ruled out in principle[2][16][17].

A Stalled Diplomatic Process

Trilateral talks between Russia, the United States, and Ukraine have been stalled since February 2026[22]. Prior to this halt, three rounds of negotiations had taken place in January and February, with meetings in Abu Dhabi and Geneva[23]. The cessation of these discussions was largely attributed to a shift in the United States' focus toward the conflict with Iran, which began around February 28, 2026[19][20][21]. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff had previously confirmed that these talks had been stalled since February[22].

Recent Diplomatic Push

The announcement of resumed talks follows intensified diplomatic efforts by the US administration. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff traveled to Europe this week, meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European representatives in Oslo on Tuesday[5][12]. Witkoff then met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg on Wednesday[6][8]. During this meeting, Putin announced the release of Stephen James Hubbard, an American teacher detained after Russia's invasion of Ukraine[8]. Witkoff expressed hope that this release would be a step in the peace process, allowing technical teams to discuss next steps[8]. The US envoy's objective was to "create a pathway toward direct trilateral and broader multilateral negotiations"[4].

Kremlin's Stance

President Vladimir Putin, in a televised interview aired late Thursday, said that any trilateral talks would focus on the security arrangements of a final peace deal and not a "short" truce[10][12]. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated that the primary subject of negotiations, as outlined by President Putin, involves security issues for Russia and Ukraine once a peaceful settlement is achieved[14][15][16]. Yuri Ushakov, Kremlin foreign policy aide, also stated his belief that the Russia-Ukraine conflict was nearing its end[1].

What we could not confirm

PrimaryBrief could not confirm the exact dates for the November talks, only that they are planned for the first half of the month or mid-November[1][10]. We also could not confirm whether Ukraine or the United States have jointly confirmed the proposed date or venue, as only Moscow has made public statements about the plans[3].