The United States is seeking a negotiated settlement to the Russia-Ukraine conflict as Washington prepares for trilateral talks involving the US, Ukraine and Russia in Abu Dhabi on November 10-11, US Special Envoy for Peace Missions Jared Kushner said on Monday.
Kushner said the administration of US President Donald Trump was focused on ending the war and establishing conditions for a sovereign, secure and economically stable Ukraine. He said the upcoming discussions would aim to identify areas of agreement and develop practical steps towards the next stage of negotiations.
Ahead of the two-day trilateral meeting, Kushner and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff are expected to hold consultations with representatives from Ukraine, the European Union, NATO, Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Italy on European security and Ukraine’s post-war future.
According to Kushner, the Abu Dhabi meeting will be the first trilateral discussion between the three sides since February. The talks are expected to address post-war security concerns, proposals from both sides and possible arrangements to prevent a renewed conflict.
Kushner outlined four key areas guiding the US efforts: ending the fighting, establishing credible post-war security guarantees, supporting Ukraine’s economic recovery and reconstruction, and advancing humanitarian measures to reduce the impact of the conflict.
He said Washington was also working with Ukraine, the EU and other European partners on Ukraine’s post-war financial requirements, infrastructure reconstruction, private investment and long-term economic recovery.
Humanitarian issues are also expected to feature in the discussions, including the return of prisoners and civilians and measures aimed at reducing the suffering caused by the war.
Kushner further said that a lasting settlement would require broader discussions between Russia and European countries on regional security arrangements. He said existing European security frameworks could serve as a basis for improving crisis communication, military transparency, consultation mechanisms and measures to reduce escalation risks.
Meanwhile, the Russian Embassy in South Africa said the Russian delegation had left for Abu Dhabi to participate in the trilateral talks scheduled for November 10-11.
The US envoy acknowledged the complexity of the negotiations but said Washington was approaching the process with determination and a focus on achieving a durable peace.
