Rubio says three-way talks in Abu Dhabi are productive but far from over
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters in Paris that the November 10 session between the US, Ukraine, and Russia achieved progress, though he warned a final deal is not imminent.
By Fatima Saleh ·
The war in Ukraine has stalled in a long, grinding conflict, and the diplomatic push to end it now centers on a three-way negotiation in the United Arab Emirates. On November 10, delegations from the United States, Ukraine, and Russia met in Abu Dhabi to discuss terms for a potential peace agreement. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to journalists in Paris on the same day to assess the outcome of that first session.
Rubio described the talks as very productive. However, he cautioned that the path to a final resolution remains long. He stated, Obviously there is a lot of work to be done. It's not something that is on the verge of being solved in the next 24 hours. His comments signaled that while the parties are engaging, the complex issues separating them have not yet been bridged.
The diplomatic timeline for these negotiations began earlier that same morning. Before the main trilateral session commenced, US, Ukrainian, and European officials held a preparatory meeting to coordinate their positions. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff provided an update on this coordination effort. The goal was to align strategies for ending the war and to outline a framework for post-war security arrangements.
The initial discussions in Abu Dhabi focused on specific, high-stakes issues. According to sources, the delegates addressed security guarantees and the specific demands made by the Russian delegation. The parties also touched upon the broader question of Ukraine's future after the war. These topics form the foundation for the ongoing dialogue.
A key priority for the American delegation is to expand the current trilateral framework. Rubio stated that the administration aims to include European nations directly in the negotiation process. He explained that the goal is to ensure Europeans are represented at the table, rather than having the talks remain exclusively among the US, Ukraine, and Russia. This inclusion is intended to strengthen the durability of any future agreements.
When asked about the sincerity of the Russian negotiators, Rubio offered a measured response. He indicated that the current phase is designed to evaluate Moscow's intentions. Well, that's what we're testing, he replied. This suggests that the talks serve as a practical assessment of whether Russia is committed to a lasting end to the hostilities.
Diplomatic momentum is set to continue immediately. Talks are scheduled to resume on the morning of November 11. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been in brief communication with the Ukrainian delegation to review the progress made during the first session. This direct line of communication ensures that the President remains closely aligned with the strategic direction of the negotiations.
The United States is actively seeking to act as a mediator in these discussions. By facilitating dialogue between the belligerents and their allies, Washington aims to create a structured environment where a comprehensive peace deal can be negotiated. The next session will move deeper into the technical and political aspects of peace.
