Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov stated on November 4 that upcoming trilateral negotiations involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States will focus on security issues and security guarantees for all parties. According to him, specific details of the discussions will not be disclosed and will be handled «in private». The statement came against the backdrop of Moscow and Kyiv confirming their participation in peace talks expected to take place in Abu Dhabi on November 10–11.
Focus on Security Guarantees and «Behind Closed Doors»
«The negotiations will focus on security issues, ensuring security, and security guarantees for all parties. Naturally, all details will be discussed in private,» Peskov emphasized. Thus, the Kremlin outlined the framework of the discussion: according to its formulation, the issue is not about territorial or political concessions, but about a system of guarantees that must ensure the sustainability of any future agreement. U.S. Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff, in turn, described the Abu Dhabi agenda as «post-war security issues, de-escalation, humanitarian efforts, and next steps toward peace.» U.S. officials call these meetings a continuation of recent contacts between the parties and «reflecting President Trump's ongoing efforts to achieve a lasting peace agreement.»
White House Meeting: Lantratova and Dmitriev Face Logistical Barriers
In parallel with preparations for Abu Dhabi, the Kremlin confirmed the participation of Russian representatives in a White House meeting on November 5, which, according to a White House announcement on November 3, is being personally organized by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump. Russia, according to Peskov, is to be represented by Kirill Dmitriev — the special presidential representative for foreign investment and economic cooperation — and Yana Lantratova, responsible for civil rights protection. At the same time, the Kremlin representative acknowledged that a condition for the meeting is the proper processing of logistical documents: «just a few hours ago, not all of those accompanying Yana Lantratova had received visas,» and she, in his estimation, could become the «main figure» if she manages to arrive on time.
Humanitarian Track: Ceasefire in Oleshky Discussed
On November 5, the U.S. First Lady is also expected to deliver a speech regarding a humanitarian ceasefire in Oleshky, Kherson Oblast — an agreement in the promotion of which, according to the White House, Melania Trump participated. Russia and Ukraine, with her support, agreed to a partial ceasefire for a specified period to conduct humanitarian operations for the civilian population trapped as a result of hostilities. The area, according to reports, is experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis and has suffered heavily from strikes in recent months, making the humanitarian track one of the few working directions amidst a general political deadlock.
No Leaders' Call and No Link to U.S. Elections
Peskov also reported that there are currently no plans for a telephone conversation between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, and the coincidence of the trilateral talks with the U.S. midterm elections was «completely» unrelated to them. The Kremlin promised to announce the full composition of the Russian delegation for Abu Dhabi in the near future. Thus, at present, the diplomatic process remains at the level of working groups and humanitarian agreements, while top-level contacts are not yet scheduled.
According to American negotiators, the goal is to achieve a breakthrough in the nearly five-year conflict before the onset of winter. At the same time, despite Washington's increased pressure on Kyiv to reach a deal with Moscow, deep disagreements remain between the two countries over the terms of a peace agreement, making the upcoming rounds in Abu Dhabi a key, but not guaranteed, stage of settlement.
