Foto: BB.LV / Стив Уиткофф
A new round of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, mediated by the United States, is scheduled for November 10–11 in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi. This was announced on Monday by the U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine, Steve Whitcoff, as reported by the LETA agency citing DPA. According to the American representative, the upcoming negotiations will focus on several key issues related to a possible cessation of hostilities and ensuring security in the region. ### What Will Be Discussed in Abu Dhabi? Whitcoff outlined four main topics for the upcoming meeting: - Security measures after the end of the war. - Reducing military and political tensions. - Providing humanitarian assistance. - Further steps towards a peaceful settlement. However, details of possible proposals and the composition of delegations have not yet been disclosed. The announcement of the negotiations does not imply that the parties have already reached agreements on the terms for ending the war. ### Before Meeting with Russia, the U.S. Will Hold Consultations in Brussels At the end of this week, American negotiators also plan to meet in Brussels with representatives from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and NATO. As Whitcoff stated, discussions will focus on three areas: security guarantees for Ukraine, the formation of a post-war security architecture for Europe, and economic opportunities for Ukraine's recovery. Thus, the meeting in Abu Dhabi will be preceded by consultations between the U.S. and its European partners, whose interests are directly affected by a possible peace agreement. ### Putin Previously Expressed Willingness to Resume Negotiations In October, Russian President Vladimir Putin, after a meeting with Steve Whitcoff, expressed readiness to resume the trilateral negotiation process. The American envoy met with Putin in St. Petersburg the day after consultations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European officials. Zelensky had previously expressed hope that the European Union would also participate in the negotiations. However, Whitcoff's announcement does not indicate that EU representatives will directly join the meeting between Ukraine and Russia in Abu Dhabi. ### Zelensky Calls for Increased Pressure on Moscow Amid preparations for the new round of negotiations, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday once again urged international partners to increase pressure on Russia. According to him, pressure must continue until Moscow has "no other choice but to end this war." Thus, the upcoming negotiations will take place against the backdrop of ongoing disagreements between the parties regarding the terms of a possible peaceful settlement. It remains unclear whether the meetings on November 10–11 will lead to specific agreements on ceasing hostilities.
