Zelenskiy announces three-way technical peace talks set for Abu Dhabi

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Friday that working-level representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States have agreed to convene in Abu Dhabi during the first half of November. Speaking via video link to the Hudson Institute think tank, Zelenskiy expressed hope that the technical discussions would pave the way for a summit among national leaders to help end the ongoing war.

Zelenskiy noted that the schedule remains contingent on Moscow, pointing out that an earlier anticipated gathering failed to happen this month. His remarks followed discussions with American representatives Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, who had met with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier in the week. Zelenskiy argued that any lasting diplomatic settlement must include robust security assurances for Kyiv along with a decade of guaranteed financial backing to sustain Ukraine's armed forces. He also stated that European partners should participate in the peace process.

While noting that territorial matters should be reserved for head-of-state discussions, the Ukrainian leader indicated that Kyiv is open to negotiating either a comprehensive ceasefire or narrower arrangements focused on maritime safety or energy infrastructure if Russia resists broader terms. Zelenskiy also noted the recent return of 270 captured Ukrainian personnel, while urging further prisoner swaps. The White House did not provide an immediate response regarding the planned trilateral meeting.

Alongside diplomatic plans, Zelenskiy voiced concern over operational challenges on the battlefield, stating that technical caps on Starlink and Starshield satellite networks remain active. Despite assertions from US President Donald Trump that services had returned to normal, Zelenskiy said a velocity ceiling of roughly 100 miles per hour continues to hamper military communications and drone operations, particularly against faster Russian jet-propelled unmanned aircraft. He said assurances from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that the restriction would be lifted within days have not yet materialized.

The Ukrainian president also pointed to logistical hurdles in defense supplies, reporting that Kyiv is still waiting for an agreed batch of air defense missiles amidst frequent Russian aerial barrages. Additionally, Zelenskiy criticized recent steps by Western nations to soften economic pressure on Moscow, arguing that partial measures undermine their effectiveness. The comments came after Trump reached a deal for Russian diesel shipments to the United States and temporarily suspended provisions of a US sanctions measure.