{
  "id": 19200833,
  "title": "Russia and Ukraine showing flexibility on territory, US official says",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/russia-and-ukraine-showing-flexibility-on-territory-us-official-says-19200833",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-09T19:40:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Maverick",
    "slug": "daily-maverick",
    "url": "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-11-09-russia-and-ukraine-showing-flexibility-on-territory-us-official-says/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nUkraine 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.\n\nUS 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.\n\nTrump 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.",
  "summary": "WASHINGTON, Nov 9 (Reuters) - Both Russia and Ukraine are showing some flexibility privately on the possible exchange of territory ahead of US-mediated talks in Abu Dhabi this week as President Donald Trump ramps up efforts to resolve the conflict, a US official said on Monday.",
  "key_points": [
    "Russia and Ukraine showing flexibility in private talks",
    "US official emphasizes security assurances, NATO-style defense",
    "US envoys to lead Abu Dhabi negotiations"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Hindustan Times - World News",
        "title": "Russia and Ukraine showing flexibility on territory, US official says",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/russia-and-ukraine-showing-flexibility-on-territory-us-official-says-19199355",
        "published": "2026-11-09T18:44:52.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Al-Monitor",
        "title": "Russia and Ukraine showing flexibility on territory, US official says",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/russia-and-ukraine-showing-flexibility-on-territory-us-official-says",
        "published": "2026-11-09T18:46:47.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}