Zelenskyy holds talks with Trump's envoys ahead of Abu Dhabi meeting
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner (Getty Images)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a call with US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The main focus was on preparations for the upcoming talks in Abu Dhabi, according to Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
During the call, the parties discussed preparations for the talks in Abu Dhabi, scheduled for November 10-11. They also focused on consultations involving technical teams from Ukraine, the United States, and Europe, which are currently taking place in Brussels.
"The negotiations must move forward at full throttle to bring this war to an end as quickly as possible. Ukraine is ready to take the necessary steps. Our proposals are clear, and we have given them to the American side," the president said.
Zelenskyy added that he had also discussed air defense with Witkoff and Kushner. He stressed that Ukraine needs interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems to protect against Russian attacks.
Zelenskyy also emphasized the need to continue working on each of the bilateral tracks with the United States, including the Drone Deals format.
"Ukraine is grateful to the United States for its support for Ukraine's independence, our people, and diplomatic efforts. Peace has no alternative, and postwar security guarantees must be truly cast-iron," the president concluded.
Talks in Abu Dhabi
Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously said that security guarantees must be discussed during the upcoming peace talks in Abu Dhabi.
Among other key issues, he listed a halt to strikes on energy infrastructure, the unblocking of the grain corridor, an exchange of prisoners of war, and a possible meeting between the countries’ leaders.
The Kremlin has confirmed that Russia will take part in the talks on Ukraine, scheduled for November 10-11 in Abu Dhabi.
Meanwhile, Bloomberg reported that Russia no longer believes Trump can force Ukraine to sign a peace deal on Moscow’s terms. As a result, the Kremlin plans to step up its attacks and is preparing for a prolonged war.
