Ukraine Wants Abu Dhabi Peace Talks to Start on November 3

One week is the target. Ukraine is pushing to start its trilateral negotiations with the United States and Russia in Abu Dhabi by November 3, a full seven days earlier than the currently planned start date of November 10.

The move comes as the Ukrainian government seeks to accelerate diplomatic progress before the winter season intensifies. A source in President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s team explained that time is critical as utilities struggle. The official noted that when citizens lack power, water, or heating, every single day counts. As of the evening of October 25, Moscow had not yet confirmed the date change.

Ukraine also wants a European observer at the table. The Kremlin prefers to keep the first meeting between the three main parties, but Kyiv plans to bring an EU representative to be briefed in real time. Bjorn Seibert, head of cabinet for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, has emerged as the likely candidate for this role. However, a source close to the negotiation team warned that European envoys currently lack a mandate to make decisions. They can only receive signals and offer input without voting power.

Kyiv does not expect a final deal at the first session. Officials anticipate that substantive work will begin at the second meeting, with potential real decisions emerging around the third. The Ukrainian strategy focuses on defining the general shape of peace rather than arguing over specific villages. A source from the President's Office stated that the goal is to present a clear picture of Ukraine’s security and its cooperation with NATO. The official added that trust in Donald Trump in Ukraine is only six percent higher than trust in Vladimir Putin, meaning Americans cannot rely solely on personal assurances.

Ukrainian diplomats believe the US has already shared the idea of a new security model with Putin, who reportedly agreed to discuss it. Davyd Arakhamiia, leader of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction, told American counterparts that any final peace deal must be acceptable to residents of Kharkiv and Dnipro. He argued that if people in those regions view the formula as workable, it will represent true progress. Yuri Ushakov, an aide to the Russian leader, stated that Russia is ready to resume talks after November 4.

Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine will not accept limits on the size of its armed forces or a neutral status in any agreement. The next round of talks is expected to take place in Abu Dhabi or Switzerland, according to US government sources. The Ukrainian team is currently working to finalize the delegation composition, expecting new members to join the group for the initial meeting.