Russia attacks Ukraine during peace talks
Ukraine says 162 drones and a ballistic missile were launched during the first talks in Abu Dhabi.
Follow-up to: Ukraine talks begin as Europe remains outside the room Tuesday, 10 November 2026, 06:20
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Russia has once again launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine while delegations from Russia, Ukraine and the United States were discussing a possible end to the war in Abu Dhabi. Ukraine’s air force reports 162 drones and a ballistic missile; the precise damage and number of casualties have not yet been independently established.
The attack took place during the first day of new talks in the United Arab Emirates. According to news agency AP, Russia, Ukraine and the United States began discussions on Tuesday under US mediation. The talks are intended to explore whether a broader agreement is possible after almost five years of war.
According to AP, Ukraine’s air force said Russia had deployed 162 drones of various types and a ballistic missile overnight. The precise damage and number of casualties have not yet been independently established.
The talks in Abu Dhabi are the first direct talks between the two warring countries since February, Reuters reported. European countries and the European Commission are also sending representatives to Abu Dhabi, but according to Reuters, Russia has objected to European participation in the negotiations themselves.
The timing underlines the tension between diplomacy and military pressure. Talks do not mean that a ceasefire is already in force. As long as attacks continue, the security of Ukrainian cities and the energy supply remains a direct part of every negotiation.
According to Reuters, Washington has discussed the possibility of a broader peace agreement. From a left-wing perspective, European countries must have sufficient influence over agreements that affect their security.
It is not currently known whether the attack halted the talks or affected their substance. What is clear is that the negotiations are taking place while Russia continues its military campaign. That makes a rapid breakthrough uncertain, but does not rule out further talks.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States began in Abu Dhabi on 10 November.
- Ukraine’s air force reported 162 drones and a ballistic missile in a Russian attack.
- European representatives are involved in the talks, but according to Reuters are not full participants at the negotiating table.
- No confirmed ceasefire was reported in the sources consulted.
Left
Arguments A peace process is meaningful only if Ukraine and Europe retain sufficient influence over the security arrangements and if attacks are not rewarded with political concessions.
Values The international legal order, the protection of civilians and European involvement in decisions affecting European security.
Consequences Excluding Europe could lead to an agreement that is difficult to implement and does not sufficiently protect the security of Ukraine and other European countries.
Centre
Arguments Talks should continue because diplomacy will ultimately be necessary, but military attacks and verifiable security guarantees must be part of the same assessment.
Values Institutional reliability, feasibility and a verifiable agreement over rapid symbolic results.
Consequences A step-by-step process with verification and the involvement of allies may take more time, but reduces the risk of a temporary or unworkable truce.
Right
Arguments Ukraine must negotiate from a position of strength and Russia must not gain an advantage through attacks; European countries must safeguard their own defence interests.
Values National sovereignty, deterrence and responsibility for security.
Consequences Greater military and political pressure could strengthen the negotiating position, but also increases the risk of further escalation and higher costs.
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 article’s core is supported by AP and Reuters and concerns an event on 10 November 2026. Unconfirmed details about damage and casualties are explicitly described as uncertain.
- confirmed The talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States began in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. — AP describes the opening of the US-mediated talks on Tuesday; Reuters reports the planned meeting. source
- confirmed Ukraine’s air force reported 162 drones and a ballistic missile. — AP attributes this to Ukraine’s air force. source
- confirmed The precise damage and number of casualties had not been independently established. — The AP report consulted does not present these details as established facts. source
- confirmed The talks are the first direct talks between Russia and Ukraine since February. — Reuters reports that the talks are the first since February. source
- confirmed European countries and the European Commission are sending representatives, but Russia does not want European participation in the negotiations. — Reuters describes the European presence and Russia’s objections. source
Editor's note
It is certain that the talks began in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday and that Ukraine’s air force reported the stated attack figures. The precise damage, casualties and military outcome had not yet been independently confirmed in the public sources consulted.Sources
The story so far
- Tuesday, 10 November 2026, 06:20 Ukraine talks begin as Europe remains outside the room
- Tuesday, 10 November 2026, 14:51 Russia attacks Ukraine during peace talks (this article)
More on this in Dutch media
- NU.nl — „oekraïne rusland”
- De Telegraaf — „oekraïne rusland”
- AD — „oekraïne rusland”