Zelenskyy confirms Russian readiness for November talks
European leaders reported to the Ukrainian president that Moscow is prepared to meet in Abu Dhabi, with a focus on security guarantees and prisoner exchanges.
By Maya Morris ·
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that European partners have identified signs of Russian commitment to a technical meeting in Abu Dhabi. The Ukrainian president made these remarks during a press conference, citing a briefing that followed a telephone discussion between European leaders and Vladimir Putin.
On the morning of October 27, several of Kyiv’s allies spoke directly with the Russian leader. They presented a unified position and received Putin’s responses. Zelenskyy reported that these contacts yielded specific indicators that Moscow intends to proceed with the negotiations.
The proposed agenda for the November meeting includes initial de-escalation measures. Ukrainian priorities center on security guarantees and the conclusion of the war. Technical teams would also address energy infrastructure and maritime issues. The plan includes the exchange of prisoners of war and the return of those detained. Officials also discussed the format for a future leadership-level trilateral summit.
Zelenskyy noted that this agenda was aligned with American partners. He emphasized that security guarantees remain a central demand for Ukraine. The Ukrainian side has formally requested these assurances from the United States and European nations. Russia has raised a parallel demand, stating it also requires security guarantees. Zelenskyy described this mutual requirement as the current status of the negotiations.
The timing of the technical teams’ meeting in early November depends on the American delegation. Zelenskyy indicated that the U.S. side holds the deciding factor regarding the schedule. He also referenced a recent call between Putin, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. During that conversation, Putin focused primarily on the initial causes of the conflict rather than strategies for ending it.
The next step involves the coordination of the trilateral meeting among Ukrainian, Russian, and American technical teams. The process is set for early November in Abu Dhabi. The outcome of this technical phase will determine the structure of subsequent high-level discussions.
Source: Ukrainska Pravda
