Zelenskyy Says Ukraine Peace Deal Hinges on US
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said progress towards ending the Russia-Ukraine war depends significantly on Washington’s approach to Moscow. Speaking in Dublin on Wednesday, November 11, Zelenskyy expressed hope that negotiations could produce meaningful results before the end of 2026, following two days of US-mediated peace talks in Abu Dhabi.
Zelenskyy Seeks Ukraine Peace Agreement by Year-End
Addressing a press conference alongside Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, Zelenskyy emphasised the urgency of ending the conflict as Russian attacks continue across Ukraine.
He said Kyiv remained committed to achieving progress this year but acknowledged that the outcome would depend heavily on upcoming discussions between American and Russian representatives.
Zelenskyy also suggested that Washington was interested in securing an agreement before the end of 2026.
Abu Dhabi Peace Talks Produce Prisoner Exchange Deal
Russian and Ukrainian negotiators concluded two days of US-brokered discussions in Abu Dhabi on November 11, their first direct talks since February.
The negotiations produced an agreement on a major prisoner-of-war exchange, although substantial differences over a broader peace settlement remain unresolved.
Ukrainian negotiator David Arakhamia described the discussions as difficult, saying Russian representatives had arrived with strict instructions. Nevertheless, he indicated that the meetings had created positive momentum.
US Envoys to Meet Putin in Moscow
American presidential envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Thursday, November 12.
They are subsequently expected to travel to Dublin for discussions with Zelenskyy.
Kushner acknowledged that mutual distrust remained a significant obstacle but described the Abu Dhabi negotiations as a constructive beginning.
Russian negotiator Vladimir Medinsky also expressed cautious optimism about reaching an agreement, while maintaining that further progress would depend on the positions adopted by Ukraine and the United States.
