Ukraine talks begin as Europe remains outside the room
Russia, Ukraine and the United States resume talks in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, as Russia objects to the direct participation of European countries.
There is news on this story (Tuesday, 10 November 2026, 14:51): Russia attacks Ukraine during peace talks
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Russia, Ukraine and the United States begin a new round of talks on Tuesday aimed at ending the war. The two-day meeting in Abu Dhabi is the first trilateral meeting since February, but the parties remain far apart on territory, security guarantees and Europe’s role.
The reported roles of Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner as US negotiators, Vladimir Medinsky as a participant and adviser to President Vladimir Putin, and Rustem Umerov as head of the Ukrainian delegation have not yet been confirmed. According to Reuters, the talks are due to begin at around 06:30 GMT.
The United States wants to discuss post-war security guarantees, de-escalation, humanitarian arrangements and next steps towards peace. Ukraine also lists a possible truce around energy infrastructure, freedom of navigation in the Black Sea, a prisoner exchange and a meeting between the leaders as important subjects.
A key dispute concerns Europe’s place at the table. France, Germany and the European Commission are sending representatives to Abu Dhabi, but Russia does not want European countries to take part directly in the negotiations. According to Reuters, Ukrainian negotiators will brief European allies separately.
The starting positions are also diametrically opposed on substance. According to AP, Russia demands that Ukraine withdraw from parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson and renounce NATO membership. It has not been confirmed whether Moscow would agree to a general ceasefire under these conditions.
Ukraine rejects territorial concessions and says security guarantees are necessary to prevent a new Russian offensive. Ukrainian negotiator Davyd Arakhamia told Deutsche Welle that he does not expect a rapid breakthrough, although he described the resumption of talks as significant in itself.
The talks are taking place while the war continues and attacks on energy facilities persist. That makes an agreement on a temporary or limited truce more likely than a full peace treaty, but even such a partial agreement would require the consent of parties that have yet to move closer on the core conditions. For the Netherlands, the key question is whether Europe retains influence over security guarantees and the future European security order.
Also show the region and a close-up
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- Russia, Ukraine and the United States are resuming talks in Abu Dhabi on 10 and 11 November.
- European countries and the European Commission are sending representatives, but Russia opposes Europe’s direct participation in the negotiations.
- The Russian and Ukrainian starting positions on territory, NATO membership and security guarantees differ fundamentally.
- No agreement or ceasefire had been announced at the time of publication.
Left
Arguments From this perspective, a durable settlement must protect Ukrainian sovereignty and give Europe a full voice. Negotiations conducted under military pressure must not lead to the rewarding of territorial conquest.
Values International law, the protection of civilians, solidarity with Ukraine and European responsibility.
Consequences A rapid deal without firm guarantees could, from this perspective, produce a temporary truce but trigger a new war later.
Centre
Arguments The institutional approach is to keep every channel open while avoiding prejudging the outcome. Europe should remain involved where necessary, while allowing direct talks between the warring parties room to develop.
Values Diplomacy, verifiable agreements, European unity and feasibility.
Consequences Limited agreements on energy, shipping or prisoners could build trust, even if a peace treaty is not yet achievable.
Right
Arguments This perspective emphasises that negotiations have a chance only if they take account of the balance of power and the clear security interests of all countries involved. Europe should primarily strengthen its own defence and not rely exclusively on American guarantees.
Values National security, deterrence, responsibility and practicality.
Consequences An agreement without credible enforcement could weaken European security; prolonged support without a diplomatic prospect could also extend the war.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The core facts have been confirmed by AP, NOS, Deutsche Welle and Reuters. The article clearly distinguishes between scheduled talks, known positions and unconfirmed outcomes.
- confirmed The talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States are taking place in Abu Dhabi on 10 and 11 November. — AP, Deutsche Welle and Reuters describe the two-day meeting beginning on Tuesday 10 November. source
- confirmed The meeting is the first trilateral encounter since February. — AP and Reuters identify February as the previous meeting. source
- confirmed European representatives will be present, but Russia does not want direct European participation in the negotiations. — Reuters reports the presence of France, Germany and the European Commission and Russia’s objections to participation. source
- confirmed Russia is demanding, among other things, that Ukraine withdraw from four regions and renounce NATO membership. — AP and NOS describe these Russian conditions. source
- confirmed Ukraine lists security guarantees, energy, the Black Sea and a prisoner exchange as subjects for discussion. — Deutsche Welle summarises the subjects mentioned by Zelensky. source
Editor's note
It is certain that the talks are scheduled for 10 and 11 November in Abu Dhabi and that European representatives will be present without necessarily taking a seat at the trilateral negotiating table. No breakthrough, concrete agreement or ceasefire had been confirmed at the time of publication.Sources
- US-brokered talks are set to start in Abu Dhabi to discuss Ukraine-Russia peace deal — AP News
- Wat te verwachten van de vredesgesprekken Rusland-Oekraïne in Abu Dhabi? — NOS
- Ukraine, Russia and US return to talks in Abu Dhabi: What to expect? — Deutsche Welle
- Russia, Ukraine to meet for US-backed talks after Trump says broad deal possible — Reuters via Investing.com
The story so far
- Tuesday, 10 November 2026, 06:20 Ukraine talks begin as Europe remains outside the room (this article)
- Tuesday, 10 November 2026, 14:51 Russia attacks Ukraine during peace talks
More on this in Dutch media
- RTL Nieuws — „oekraïne rusland”
- NOS — „oekraïne rusland”
- Het Parool — „oekraïne rusland”