US Mediates Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks in Abu Dhabi

Peace talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States are starting in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, to find a way to end the Russia-Ukraine war.

The two-day meeting begins on Tuesday (November 10). Representatives from all three countries are taking part. This is the first time since February that the three countries are holding direct talks. The main goals are to discuss security after the war, reduce tensions, provide humanitarian aid and find a way to end the fighting.

US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner are leading the US team. Kushner said on social media platform X that the United States wants to find a solution through talks and build lasting peace. The goal is to create a sovereign, safe and prosperous Ukraine and make Europe’s security system more stable.

The new talks come after several rounds of US-led meetings in February. However, Moscow and Kyiv still have major differences over the conditions for ending the war, control of land and Ukraine’s future security. The international community is watching to see whether the Abu Dhabi meeting can bring the two sides closer to an agreement.

Russia and Ukraine Have Different Demands

Russian President Vladimir Putin has demanded that Ukraine withdraw its troops from the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions. Russia declared the four regions part of its territory in September 2022. However, it has not yet taken full control of all these areas.

Moscow has also demanded that Ukraine stop its efforts to join NATO, limit its military strength and remove restrictions on the Russian language and the Moscow-backed Orthodox Church.

Mr. Putin believes that a full peace agreement is the only way to end the war permanently. He has also warned that Russia will use military force to achieve its goals if its demands are not met.

On the other hand, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected proposals to give up land and limit his country’s military strength.

He believes there must be an effective ceasefire before any peace deal. He also wants strong international security guarantees to prevent Russia from attacking Ukraine again in the future. Kyiv is not willing to make any concessions on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Who Is Taking Part in the Talks?

Vladimir Medinsky, an aide to Mr. Putin, is leading the Russian team in Abu Dhabi. The team also includes Deputy Foreign Ministers Sergei Ryabkov and Mikhail Galuzin, military intelligence chief Igor Kostyukov and senior Russian General Staff official Yuri Zhigarlevsky.

Mr. Medinsky also led Russia’s team during direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2022.

Meanwhile, Rustem Umerov, head of Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service, is leading the Ukrainian team. Other members include President Zelensky’s chief of staff, Kyrylo Budanov; his deputy, Serhii Kyslytsia; David Arakhamia, parliamentary leader of the ruling Servant of the People party; and Vadym Skibitsky, deputy head of military intelligence.

Europe Also Discusses Security

Security in Europe is also a major topic ahead of the Abu Dhabi meeting. Representatives from European countries are in Abu Dhabi to hold separate talks with the United States. They will discuss security guarantees for Ukraine and Europe’s security system after the war.

However, the Mr. Kremlin has said that the main peace talks will take place only between Russia, Ukraine and the United States. Moscow does not want European representatives to take part in the main talks.

Fighting Continues Despite Peace Efforts

Although efforts for peace are under way, the war between the two countries has not stopped.

Russia is attacking Ukraine’s electricity and energy facilities. In response, Ukraine is also attacking different targets in Russia, including oil refineries.

In this situation, the key question is whether the Abu Dhabi meeting can make progress on major issues such as security guarantees and control of land.

Sources: AP, Reuters, Al Jazeera, Euronews and Anadolu Agency