Russia and Ukraine showing flexibility on territory, US official says

Washington, November 9 - Both Russia and Ukraine are demonstrating some flexibility in private discussions about potentially exchanging territory, as US President Donald Trump intensifies efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict, according to a US official briefing reporters on Monday. The official, speaking ahead of talks set to commence on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, emphasized that security assurances for Ukraine and the possibility of a NATO-style Article 5 defense for Kyiv would be central issues during the negotiations.

Ukraine has consistently demanded that Russia be pushed back to the pre-war border, while Russian President Vladimir Putin seeks control over the entire Donbas region. However, the official revealed that both parties are privately exploring the possibility of compromise. The territorial agreement, if reached, would likely be finalized after other critical matters, such as establishing a postwar security framework, are resolved, the official explained.

US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will spearhead the US mediation efforts at the two-day Abu Dhabi talks. The official hinted at the possibility of the envoys traveling to Russia following the talks to engage with President Putin. While acknowledging that negotiations would require time, the US official expressed cautious optimism that progress could be achieved in the ongoing negotiations.

Trump has repeatedly highlighted the substantial losses suffered by both sides since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. This marks the first instance where the official perceived a genuine willingness from the Russian side to conclude the conflict.