US, Russia and Ukraine start talks in Abu Dhabi

Key Points:

• Peace talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the US began in Abu Dhabi on November 10, 2026, marking the first such meeting since February, with EU representatives present on the sidelines.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the trilateral talks as "constructive and quite substantive," focusing on humanitarian steps, prisoner releases, and long-term security guarantees for Ukraine.
• Russian delegate Sergei Ryabkov refrained from commenting on progress, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for greater European involvement in the negotiations.
• The talks occurred amid ongoing Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, causing power outages in multiple regions and casualties, underscoring the conflict's intensity despite diplomatic efforts.
• Key issues include Russia's demand for Ukraine to cede the Donbas region and limitations on Ukraine's military and alliances, demands Zelenskyy firmly rejects; meanwhile, the US mediators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff seek a negotiated peace and a stable European security framework.