Trilateral Peace Talks Planned in Abu Dhabi, Europe Role Still Open
Negotiations between Russia, the United States and Ukraine are scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi during the first half of November, and the Kremlin says the format will remain trilateral. Still, Moscow has not ruled out the possibility that European nations could later join the process.
Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin's spokesman, addressed the issue at a media briefing on Friday. Asked whether Europe could be included to create a four-party negotiation, he said that no option could be dismissed in principle. He emphasized, however, that the Abu Dhabi talks under discussion would be conducted between three sides.
Russian state media reported that the talks are expected to cover security guarantees linked to the post-war period for both Russia and Ukraine. Broader questions about Europe's security architecture may also be raised during the process.
Peskov also confirmed that the first tanker carrying Russian diesel had departed for the United States. He said further deliveries would follow on a regular schedule, adding that the energy ministry had already reported the vessel was headed to its designated destination and buyers.
The Kremlin's comments follow warnings from US President Donald Trump to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump cautioned that delaying a peace deal with Russia could make Ukraine's position more difficult, arguing that Moscow was making territorial gains and that Kyiv could miss opportunities that existed earlier in the conflict.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office alongside Vice President JD Vance, Trump said battlefield momentum and mounting casualties made a negotiated solution more pressing. He acknowledged heavy losses on both sides but suggested that Ukraine faced greater population-related limitations. He also said Zelensky could have secured more favourable terms during previous discussions with Washington.
Trump said, "Ukraine has to make a deal to end this. Zelensky has to be ready to end this war. If he doesn't do that, I think it's going to be very bad."