Zelenskyy seeks Putin meeting following Abu Dhabi talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope on Tuesday that United States-mediated negotiations with Russia in Abu Dhabi will result in a direct meeting between himself and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Ukrainian leader made the remarks in Berlin alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, noting that the upcoming talks represent a key diplomatic effort to conclude the war.

Zelenskyy told reporters that he anticipates the current advisory-level format will pave the way for a trilateral format at the heads-of-state level. The specific talks in question are scheduled for November 10 and 11. While discussing the prospects, Merz emphasized the necessity for Russia to engage seriously in negotiations regarding a ceasefire and a subsequent peace agreement. The German chancellor added that he has not yet observed such serious engagement from the Russian side.

The visit to Berlin was kept unannounced for security purposes. Upon arrival, Zelenskyy posted on X that the agenda would prioritize diplomatic coordination, the reinforcement of air defenses, and support for Ukraine's energy sector. Earlier on Monday, US special envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed the new round of talks. Witkoff stated that the discussions would address post-war security arrangements, de-escalation measures, humanitarian efforts, and steps toward peace.

The Kremlin has confirmed participation, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating that a Russian delegation led by former Culture Minister Vladimir Medinsky will attend. This diplomatic activity follows a rare display of cooperation between the warring sides last week, when human rights ombudsmen from both nations oversaw a local ceasefire in the occupied city of Oleshky. The mission, brokered by US First Lady Melania Trump, allowed for the evacuation of residents and the delivery of aid.

Despite recent progress, European leaders are not expected to sit at the negotiating table in Abu Dhabi. Al Jazeera correspondent Dominic Kane noted that this exclusion remains a contentious issue for European governments, who have insisted on involvement in the process. To address security guarantees for Europe and post-war architecture, US envoys are scheduled to meet with representatives from Germany, France, the United Kingdom, NATO, and the European Union in Brussels this week.

Financial pressures continue to shape the European response to the conflict. Zelenskyy has indicated that Ukraine requires an additional 70 billion euros from European nations next year. Kane observed that while successive German governments have supported Ukraine financially and militarily, the cost has become a significant political issue in Germany. The cost of living for voters and economic threats have contributed to the rise of political parties, including the far-right Alternative for Germany and the left-wing Die Linke, in recent polls and elections.

Further high-level summits are planned before the year ends. President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Putin may hold three-way talks on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen on November 18 and 19. Around the same time, the Coalition of the Willing, a group of approximately 35 countries supporting Ukraine, will convene in Berlin. A Group of 20 summit is also scheduled for Florida from December 13 to 15, where attendance by Putin remains undecided.