Symbolic imageUS-brokered Russia-Ukraine talks set for Abu Dhabi as Europe seeks a role
The US, Russia and Ukraine will hold talks in Abu Dhabi on 10 and 11 November, US envoy Steve Witkoff announced. Zelensky and Merz used a Berlin meeting to demand a European role.
Witkoff announced on Tuesday, 3 November, two days of adviser-level talks between Washington, Moscow and Kyiv. They are to cover post-war security arrangements, de-escalation, humanitarian aid and next steps toward peace. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed, according to Tass, that a Russian delegation will attend, led as before by Vladimir Medinsky. The format last met in Geneva in February, after two earlier rounds in Abu Dhabi.
Berlin coordination
Zelensky visited Berlin unannounced on Tuesday. Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledged 200 million euros in additional winter aid, pending Bundestag approval, and invited the "coalition of the willing" to Berlin on 19 November.
Europe wants a seat
Zelensky said no stable peace is possible without Europeans involved in some format, and Merz said Europe must play a role, but how remains unclear. US envoys meet German, French, British, NATO and EU representatives in Brussels on Wednesday on security guarantees.
Diverging positions
FAZ reports that Kyiv seeks a ceasefire along the current front line, while Russian statements point to satellite status for Ukraine and further ceded territory.