Ukraine urges earlier trilateral talks with Russia and the United States amid winter hardships

Ukraine is lobbying to bring forward the upcoming three-way talks with Russia and the United States by at least one week, emphasizing that every day without basic services such as electricity, water and heating matters for its citizens. Ukrainian negotiators persuaded U.S. officials to consider an earlier date, although Russian authorities have not yet confirmed the change. The discussions were initially expected to occur in Abu Dhabi in mid-November, a week after the U.S. midterm elections, according to Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov.

Kyiv views the ability to resume talks as a modest victory secured by U.S. presidential special envoy Steve Witkoff, who obtained Russia’s agreement to negotiate before the spring season. Participants do not anticipate a decisive outcome at the first meeting and expect multiple rounds before any substantive peace terms emerge. Some insiders suggest a tentative agreement could be drafted before the New Year, though they doubt Russia will accept it, fearing a strategy to wear down Ukraine through the winter.