Russian and Ukrainian delegations have held a second day of United States-brokered peace negotiations in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, as Washington intensifies efforts to end the war that has continued for more than four years.
The discussions resumed on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, following an initial round of negotiations on Tuesday. The meetings brought together representatives from Russia, Ukraine and the United States in the latest diplomatic effort to find a possible settlement.
Ukraine’s lead negotiator, Rustem Umerov, announced the resumption of discussions, saying the delegations would first meet in a trilateral format involving the United States before holding separate consultations with European partners.
The negotiations are being mediated by US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Donald Trump. They represent the first direct Russia-Ukraine talks in approximately nine months, raising cautious hopes of renewed diplomatic engagement despite significant differences between the two sides.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the first day’s discussions as constructive and substantive. He said the delegations had examined possible humanitarian measures, including prisoner exchanges and the return of Ukrainian civilians and children held in Russia.
Security guarantees for Ukraine were also discussed, with Kyiv seeking arrangements that would protect the country against future Russian aggression. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the initial meeting as productive but acknowledged that substantial work remained before an agreement could be reached.
However, major disagreements continue to complicate the negotiations. Russia has maintained its demand for control of the entire eastern Donbas region and has called for Ukraine to adopt a neutral status rather than join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Ukraine has repeatedly rejected demands to surrender territory it considers part of its sovereign land. Moscow and Kyiv also remain divided over the nature of future security arrangements and the broader European security framework.
European countries are seeking a greater role in the peace process. Representatives from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the European Union and NATO have been present in Abu Dhabi, although their consultations have taken place separately from the direct negotiations involving Russia. The Kremlin has indicated that it does not plan to engage directly with the European representatives at the venue.
Meanwhile, fighting has continued despite the diplomatic discussions. Russian attacks reportedly damaged Ukrainian energy infrastructure, while Ukrainian drone strikes targeted locations inside Russia, including the port area of Ust-Luga, an important oil export hub. Reports also indicated casualties and damage from overnight attacks on both sides.
The two-day meetings concluded on Wednesday, but no major breakthrough was announced. The negotiations nevertheless represent another attempt by the Trump administration to bring the warring countries closer to an agreement.
With territorial disputes, security guarantees and continued military operations unresolved, the prospect of a lasting ceasefire remains uncertain.
Swifteradio.com
