Russia, Ukraine and the United States are beginning their first trilateral talks since February in Abu Dhabi on Nov. 10, with security guarantees at the center of a two-day meeting.
The talks are expected to begin at about 6:30 a.m. GMT, Vesti Baku reported.
Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky is leading Moscow’s delegation. Ukraine’s delegation is headed by Foreign Intelligence Service chief Rustem Umerov, while Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are representing the United States.
What the Delegations Will Discuss
The agenda includes postwar security guarantees, de-escalation measures, humanitarian issues and possible next steps toward ending the war.
Kyiv also plans to propose practical measures to reduce tensions and seek preparations for a meeting among the leaders of the three countries.
European representatives have arrived in the United Arab Emirates but will not participate directly in the trilateral format. The Ukrainian delegation plans to hold separate consultations with them.
Moscow says the current round should remain talks between Russia and Ukraine mediated by the United States.
The Main Dispute
Territory remains the central obstacle.
Russia is demanding the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from regions Moscow claims as its own and an end to Kyiv’s effort to join NATO.
Ukraine rejects territorial concessions and restrictions on its armed forces. It is pressing instead for a ceasefire and guarantees against another invasion.
The United States hopes the talks could open a path toward a broader European security agreement.
There have been no public signs that the sides’ positions are moving closer. Fighting and reciprocal strikes on energy infrastructure are continuing.
The previous trilateral round took place in February 2026 and produced no significant progress toward a political settlement. The outcome of the current meeting is expected after talks conclude Nov. 11.