Abu Dhabi talks: Russia gets Europe's security on the US agenda

Europeans may not have a seat at the table in Abu Dhabi, but they are definitely on the menu. After the first day of talks between Russia and Ukraine, mediated by the United States, Moscow has got Washington to discuss a "new" security framework for Europe.

What happened?

On Tuesday, 10 November, Russian and Ukrainian delegations met in the United Arab Emirates for trilateral talks with US mediation. They are due to last two days.

Jared Kushner, one of Donald Trump's special envoys (alongside Steve Witkoff), used the word "new" about the European security framework. He said the US president had asked the team to redouble its efforts to find a solution that could end the war and leave both sides in a much stronger position.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is not in Abu Dhabi, called the day constructive and "fairly substantial". He said humanitarian issues and security guarantees were at the heart of the talks, and that freeing prisoners of war is a priority. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the talks as very productive.

Why is everyone talking about it?

Because of the order of things. Defining the parameters of a future security architecture for Europe before tackling the Russia-Ukraine conflict itself would be a point for Moscow, and Washington once again seems to lean towards the Russian side.

Europeans, meanwhile, are left with a supporting role. They are discussed, but they do not take part.

Not everyone is feeling optimistic either. Positions have reportedly not changed, and hopes are slim. The status of the contested Donetsk region and the role of NATO (the Western military alliance) remain major hurdles.

What's next?

The talks continue on Wednesday. Past efforts give some context: Trump and Putin met in Alaska in August 2025 without agreeing a ceasefire, and the first trilateral talks were held in Abu Dhabi in January 2026.

Now the question is whether this second round can turn "substantial" words into results. Prisoner releases and security guarantees are the files to watch.