Zelenskyy welcomes U.S. messages as Ukraine discusses path toward ending war
Encouraged by U.S. messages
Zelenskyy said he was pleased by recent messages from U.S. presidential envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. He described them as pointing toward efforts to resolve the conflict, now more than four-and-a-half years old.
The Ukrainian president has sought to manage a frequently strained relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump. Tensions were especially apparent at a February 2025 Oval Office meeting, when Trump accused Zelenskyy of being ungrateful.
Talks include European security
Zelenskyy said discussions in Abu Dhabi included the possibility of developing a new security framework for Europe. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had raised the idea earlier on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. Zelenskyy said there was uncertainty about what the parties wanted, and that participants had not seen documents on what the Americans discussed with the Russians.
Ukraine sets out priorities
Zelenskyy said dialogue was possible, but identified ending the war in Ukraine as the first priority. He then named security guarantees for Ukraine as the next step. He said participants might also discuss security in Europe and globally. Lavrov, meanwhile, said Moscow would not accept an immediate ceasefire without knowing what would follow.
Key points
- Zelenskyy welcomed U.S. messages about moving toward a resolution of the war with Russia.
- He said Abu Dhabi talks included a possible new security framework for Europe.
- Zelenskyy listed ending the war and guarantees for Ukraine as priorities.