Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump's special representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. According to RBC-Ukraine, citing a statement from the head of state, the main focus of the conversation was on preparing for the upcoming talks in Abu Dhabi, scheduled for November 10–11, 2026. The parties also discussed the progress of consultations between technical teams from Ukraine, the US, and Europe currently underway in Brussels.
"Maximum Intensive Pace" and Kyiv's Readiness
According to Zelenskyy, the key message of the conversation was the need to accelerate the diplomatic process. "The pace of the negotiations needs to be as intensive as possible to end this war as quickly as possible. Ukraine is ready for the necessary steps, our proposals are clear, and we have provided our proposals to the American side," the president stated. He emphasized that Kyiv consistently conveys its position to Washington and is ready for concrete actions to end the conflict.
Air Defense and the Need for Patriot Interceptors
A separate block of discussion was dedicated to air defense. Zelenskyy reported that the conversation with Witkoff and Kushner included the issue of air defense, and emphasized that Ukraine needs interceptors for Patriot surface-to-air missile systems to protect against Russian shelling. Thus, Kyiv directly links the request for air defense supplies to the practical necessity of covering the population and infrastructure from strikes.
Bilateral Tracks and the Drone Deals Format
The president also noted the need for continued work on each of the bilateral tracks with the US, particularly the Drone Deals format. In conclusion, Zelenskyy thanked the United States for supporting Ukraine's independence, its citizens, and its diplomatic efforts. "There is no alternative to peace, and post-war security guarantees must be truly rock-solid," the head of state summarized, bringing the focus back to the issue of long-term security guarantees, which he previously called mandatory for discussion at peace talks.
Context: Brussels, Abu Dhabi, and Moscow's Position
The phone call took place against the backdrop of ongoing consultations in Brussels by technical teams from Ukraine, the US, and Europe, who are preparing the working agenda for the meeting in Abu Dhabi. The Kremlin reportedly confirmed that Russia will participate in the talks on Ukraine scheduled for November 10–11. At the same time, Bloomberg reported that, according to its sources, Moscow no longer expects Trump to force Ukraine to sign a peace agreement on Russian terms and is preparing for a protracted conflict with intensified attacks. These assessments are cited as the publication's stance and do not match the tone of the official confirmation of participation in the talks.
What Else is on the Agenda
Among other important issues that Zelenskyy previously named as priorities for the upcoming peace talks in Abu Dhabi are discussions on security guarantees, the cessation of strikes on energy infrastructure, the unblocking of the "grain corridor," the exchange of prisoners of war, and a potential meeting of national leaders. The combination of these points forms the working agenda that technical teams are working through in Brussels ahead of the key meeting in the UAE.
