Ukraine Peace Talks in Abu Dhabi to Focus on Postwar Security Guarantees, Says Marco Rubio

Postwar security arrangements for Ukraine and the wider European region are expected to be among the central issues at the upcoming US-mediated talks between Ukraine and Russia in Abu Dhabi, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said.

Speaking ahead of the discussions scheduled for November 10 and 11, Rubio said Washington had made some progress in exploring what security guarantees could look like after the war. He indicated that further progress could be made during the meetings, which will bring representatives from Kyiv, Moscow and Washington together for the first trilateral negotiations since February.

The discussions are being led by US President Donald Trump's administration as it seeks to revive diplomatic efforts to end Russia's war against Ukraine, which began with Moscow's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Rubio stressed that a lasting settlement would require arrangements that allow Ukraine to feel secure after hostilities end, while also addressing the broader security concerns of European countries.

Security Guarantees Central to Negotiations

Rubio said the question of postwar security guarantees had repeatedly featured in discussions between the United States, Ukraine and Russia. He described the future security structure of Ukraine and the European continent as one of the key subjects that negotiators would need to address.

According to the US secretary of state, President Trump had been briefed on some initial ideas developed during earlier discussions. However, he clarified that no final arrangement had been agreed upon.

Rubio expressed hope that the Abu Dhabi meetings would help advance the proposals, with Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner representing Washington.

The security question is particularly important for Kyiv, which wants assurances that Russia will not launch another invasion after any potential peace agreement. Ukraine has consistently argued that ending the fighting without credible guarantees could leave the country vulnerable to renewed military aggression.

US, Russia and Ukraine Prepare for Trilateral Talks

The Abu Dhabi meeting is expected to bring together delegations from the three countries for discussions on ending the conflict. The agenda is understood to include postwar security arrangements, de-escalation, humanitarian issues and steps towards a possible peace settlement.

Witkoff had previously announced the planned discussions, saying the United States would facilitate negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv. The talks follow a period of limited diplomatic engagement at the trilateral level, with the previous US-mediated round taking place in February.

The Ukrainian delegation is expected to include senior officials involved in national security and negotiations. Russia is also sending a delegation, while the United States will coordinate discussions between the two sides.

European participation is another important aspect of the diplomatic process. France has indicated that it will be represented at the meetings, reflecting European governments' concerns that any agreement could have long-term consequences for the continent's security.

Europe Seeks a Role in Ukraine's Future Security

The discussions are not limited to Ukraine's immediate defence requirements. Rubio's remarks indicate that Washington is also considering the wider security architecture of Europe after the war.

European governments have repeatedly stressed that their security interests must be considered in any settlement involving Russia and Ukraine. They are concerned that decisions made without meaningful European involvement could affect NATO's position, regional military arrangements and the future balance of power.

Earlier discussions between US officials and European representatives have focused on possible security guarantees for Kyiv, the deployment of multinational forces after a ceasefire and economic assistance for Ukraine's reconstruction.

A multinational force involving European countries has also been discussed as a possible postwar arrangement. Such a force would be intended to support Ukraine after hostilities end rather than participate in offensive military operations.

However, the exact structure, mandate and guarantees remain under discussion.

Russia and Ukraine Remain Divided Over Territorial Issues

Despite diplomatic activity, major disagreements between Moscow and Kyiv continue to complicate negotiations. Territorial control remains one of the most difficult issues, with Russia maintaining demands involving the Donbas region and Ukraine refusing to surrender its internationally recognised territory.

A Reuters report ahead of the Abu Dhabi meeting said a US official had indicated that both sides were privately showing some flexibility over possible territorial arrangements. The official suggested that territorial questions would likely be addressed towards the later stages of negotiations, after discussions on other issues, including security guarantees.

There has been no public confirmation of a territorial compromise, and the positions of the two governments remain far apart.

Russia has also sought a broader discussion about European security arrangements, while Ukraine has insisted that its sovereignty and long-term security must be protected as part of any settlement.

Trump Predicts Progress Towards an Agreement

Trump has expressed confidence that negotiations could bring the conflict closer to an end. He has repeatedly said that both Russia and Ukraine have reasons to reach an agreement and suggested that a settlement could involve changes to Ukraine's territorial situation.

His administration has sought to position Washington as the principal mediator, with Witkoff and Kushner playing central roles in discussions with both sides.

However, diplomatic optimism has been accompanied by continued fighting on the ground. Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure have continued, while Ukraine has carried out strikes against Russian military and industrial targets.

The continued military activity underscores the difficulty of reaching a ceasefire while fundamental political and territorial disagreements remain unresolved.

What to Expect From the Abu Dhabi Talks

The November 10-11 meetings are expected to test whether the United States can bring Moscow and Kyiv closer to an agreed framework for ending the war. Security guarantees are likely to remain a central issue because any settlement will need to address Ukraine's concerns about future Russian aggression.

The involvement of European representatives could also influence discussions about the continent's long-term security arrangements and the role of international partners in supporting Ukraine.

Nevertheless, Rubio's comments make clear that the proposals remain at an early stage and that no final agreement has been reached. The outcome will depend on whether Russia and Ukraine can narrow their differences over territory, security commitments and the conditions required to end hostilities.

For now, the Abu Dhabi meeting represents a renewed diplomatic effort, but a comprehensive peace agreement remains uncertain.