Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed a new date for trilateral talks involving the United States and Russia, suggesting that the discussions take place on November 1. He emphasized the urgency of the talks, expressing a desire for them to occur as soon as possible, but noted that Ukraine will wait for the conclusion of the US midterm elections.
During a recent press engagement, Zelensky stated that Ukraine hopes to hold a meeting of negotiation teams in Abu Dhabi before anticipated discussions between US President Donald Trump, China’s leader Xi Jinping, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which are reportedly scheduled for November 18-19 in Shenzhen, China.
Zelensky mentioned in an interview with The Sun that the talks could potentially occur on November 10. He expressed optimism for progress from the negotiations but warned Trump against suggesting that Ukraine is unwilling to agree, stating that Ukraine will not pay an excessive price for peace.
“We are ready for dialogue in any format and willing to discuss even sensitive topics, despite the unfairness of some issues. I do not want to create the impression that we are hindering the negotiation process,” Zelensky remarked.
Context
- On October 21, Putin indicated readiness to resume negotiations in the format of Russia, the US, and Ukraine during a meeting with a US envoy. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on October 23 that a trilateral meeting is planned for early November in Abu Dhabi. When asked about the possibility of a four-party format including Europe, he replied, “Nothing can be ruled out a priori.”
- Ukrainian media reported that the initial proposed dates by Russia were in the first ten days of November, following the US midterm elections. Ukraine and the US are working to persuade Russia to agree to talks in Abu Dhabi a week earlier than originally planned.
- Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated on October 27 that negotiations involving Russia, Ukraine, and the US were tentatively set for November 4. However, later that day, David Arahamia, head of the Servant of the People faction in Ukraine’s parliament, clarified that a specific date has yet to be confirmed, pending confirmation from the US delegation.
