In brief
During a Berlin visit, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that upcoming U.S.-led talks in Abu Dhabi could open a path to a trilateral summit with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, however, expressed doubts about Russia’s engagement, while U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff outlined the agenda for the negotiations and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed Russia’s participation.
In Berlin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Tuesday that U.S.‑mediated talks in Abu Dhabi may pave the way for a three‑way meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Zelenskyy told reporters that the adviser‑level talks scheduled for November 10 and 11 would help “open the way to a trilateral format at the level of leaders.”
"We are counting on the fact that work in this format and our other diplomatic steps will open the way to a trilateral format at the level of leaders," he said.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, speaking with Zelenskyy, expressed skepticism about progress, noting that Russia had yet to engage seriously in peace talks.
"I do not see that happening so far," said the chancellor.
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff announced the new round of talks, saying they would focus on "post‑war security arrangements, de‑escalation, humanitarian efforts, and next steps toward peace."
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that a Russian delegation, led as before by former Culture Minister Vladimir Medinsky, would attend the meetings, according to TASS.
On landing in Berlin, Zelenskyy posted on X that diplomatic coordination, strengthening air defences and supporting Ukraine’s energy sector would top the agenda of his visit.
Last week, human‑rights ombudsmen from Russia and Ukraine oversaw a local cease‑fire in the Russian‑occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky, evacuating residents and delivering aid as part of a mission brokered by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump.
