World·since 1 Nov·5 entries
Russia and Ukraine: the push for talks
The US will mediate technical-level Russia-Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi on 10-11 November, the first specific date and venue, while a leaders' meeting involving Putin and Zelensky has no agreed format or location.
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This week4 entries
State of playtoday 01:43
Abu Dhabi Round
Witkoff said the US will mediate technical talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Abu Dhabi on 10-11 November, the first trilateral round since February. Agenda items are post-war security, de-escalation, humanitarian measures and ending the war. Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to represent Washington.
Leaders and Turkey
Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov said Putin would answer a call from Zelensky and that the first stage should involve only Russia, Ukraine and the US. Zelensky says he is ready to meet Putin in Turkey, and Erdoğan has offered to host. Turkey told Washington it can host technical and political-level talks.
Parallel Tracks
US negotiators are due to meet French, German, British, EU and NATO representatives in Brussels this week on security guarantees. Reports describe a US-backed energy ceasefire effort, including possible resumption of Russian gas exports via Ukraine. Kyiv says Russian strikes undermine progress. The test is whether Russian delegates attend in Abu Dhabi on 10 November.
What comes next
- in 7 daysUS-mediated Russia-Ukraine technical talks open in Abu Dhabi (10-11 Nov)
Open questions
- Will Zelensky actually phone Putin, now that the Kremlin says he would answer?
- Will Moscow accept Turkey, or any venue outside Russia, for a first round?
Who is who5
Steve Witkoff US special envoy
Announced that the US will mediate technical talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Abu Dhabi on 10-11 November.
3 Nov
Yuri Ushakov Kremlin foreign policy adviser
Says Putin would answer a call from Zelensky and that the first stage of renewed talks should involve only Russia, the US and Ukraine.
2 Nov
Vladimir Putin Russian President
Would take Zelensky's call according to the Kremlin, and Moscow repeats its invitation for Zelensky to meet him in Russia.
1 Nov
Volodymyr Zelensky Ukrainian President
Says he is ready to meet Putin in Turkey and that preparations are under way for a meeting in the first half of November.
3 Nov
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Turkish President
Has offered Turkey as host of a new trilateral round of Russia, Ukraine and the US.
1 Nov
Chronicle5 entries since 1 Nov
2–8 November1 entry · 1 key
US envoy Steve Witkoff announced that Washington will mediate technical talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Abu Dhabi on 10-11 November, the first trilateral round since February. Talks will cover post-war security, de-escalation and humanitarian measures; a Brussels meeting on guarantees is set for the same week.
26 October – 1 November3 entries
Ukraine's Air Alert app sent false radiation and nuclear warnings on the evening of 1 November, and Russia's emergency ministry app was hacked hours later, as a local truce in Kherson expired.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan proposed on 31 October that Turkey host another trilateral round with Ukraine, Russia and the United States. Zelensky, after meeting him in Istanbul, said preparations were under way for a meeting in the first half of November, with no date set.
Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov said Putin would answer if Zelensky phoned him, since Moscow has never refused talks. He added that any first round on Ukraine should be trilateral, with Russia, the United States and Kyiv.
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