Andrea Innocenti President Donald Trump has delegated Jared Kushner, his son-in-law, and former real estate developer Steve Witkoff to mediate the first trilateral talks with Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi on November 10-11, 2026. Both envoys are pushing for direct European Union involvement in the talks, saying that this week can no longer be the last without a European presence at the table.
The United States, according to anonymous officials, has proposed including European representatives immediately after the trilateral meeting, recognizing the need for a "common voice" to put pressure on Moscow. The invitation comes immediately after the October 27 phone calls between Vladimir Putin and the leaders of Norway and Finland, Jonas Gahr Støre and Alexander Stubb, who stressed the urgency of a broader dialogue.
The United States invites Europe to join the negotiations in Abu Dhabi
According to confidential statements, Kushner and Witkoff intend to accelerate the pace of negotiations. Their goal is for the European delegation, still undecided about who represents the interests of member states, to be able to intervene on the first day of negotiations.
The invitation was welcomed by European officials, who are planning an informal meeting in Dublin later this week to finalize the delegates.
The upcoming discussions: security and borders
The meeting agenda includes two main topics. Day 1 will focus on security guarantees for Ukraine and the possible restructuring of the European defense architecture. Day 2 will address territorial issues, including border redrawing and demands for the return of occupied territories. Supporting participants will include security advisers from the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, as well as representatives from Italy, NATO, the European Commission, and the European Council.
Russia's positions and European concerns
Russian authorities have expressed reservations about the direct presence of European representatives, fearing it could complicate their negotiations with Washington. However, US officials have reassured that NATO will remain the cornerstone of collective defense, while admitting the need for "a fundamental review" of Russia's relationship with Europe. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has been cited as an active participant in the reform discussions.
Political reactions: France, Ireland and the United States
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed that France will participate in Abu Dhabi, although he has not yet named a national spokesperson. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio interpreted Trump's recent statements—the president told "60 Minutes" that the war "will end soon" and that Ukraine could emerge with "a different profile"—as a possible advance on post-conflict security guarantees. Kushner also highlighted "productive and substantive" discussions in Brussels with Ukrainian, NATO, and European partners.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke by phone with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asking the New Delhi government to mediate the creation of grain export corridors in the Black Sea, still threatened by Russian bombing. The call came during the middle of negotiations, underscoring Ukraine's interest in involving non-European actors in the search for a solution.