Witkoff reveals location, date for new trilateral peace deal negotiations

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff revealed that trilateral peace talks involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States are scheduled to take place on November 10-11 in Abu Dhabi. The discussions will center on post-war security arrangements, de-escalation efforts, humanitarian aid, and the subsequent steps towards lasting peace, according to Witkoff's statement on X. Ukrainian, American, and Russian officials have been collaborating for weeks to finalize the logistics of these new peace dialogues.

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine and President Vladimir Putin of Russia both conveyed their openness to engage in negotiations after meeting with Witkoff in Oslo, Norway, and St. Petersburg, respectively, in October. Witkoff expressed confidence in building upon the advancements achieved in Kyiv, Oslo, and St. Petersburg to reach a comprehensive and enduring peace agreement that ensures lasting security for future generations.

President Zelensky suggested that one or two rounds of technical talks could potentially lead to a trilateral summit featuring himself, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Russian President Putin. Both Zelensky and Putin have not held direct conversations since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The agenda for the technical negotiations would encompass a potential energy and maritime ceasefire, the exchange of military and civilian hostages, and the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.

The Kremlin has consistently rejected a ceasefire and insisted that Kyiv cede the portions of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts that Russian forces have yet to capture. These strategically vital regions in eastern Ukraine remain a focal point for the negotiations. Ukraine, in contrast, has advocated for a ceasefire along the present frontline.

Zelensky has emphasized the necessity for robust security assurances for Ukraine in any agreement aimed at concluding the conflict, stating that our security guarantees are our own and cannot be dictated by the Russian side. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed uncertainty about the feasibility of a negotiated peace deal between Ukraine and Russia during a G20 foreign ministers meeting on October 31.

Rubio told reporters at a press conference, "I don't know if negotiated peace is achievable in Ukraine; that's what we're trying to determine." He added, "I don't think anyone here is claiming that we're on the verge of a negotiated settlement."