Volodymyr Zelensky confirms that a meeting between Russians and Ukrainians, mediated by the US, will take place in November

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he is prepared to take part in talks with Russia in November, but any territorial issue must be addressed directly at the leadership level of the two countries. He made the statement in an interview with the national television broadcaster, after Moscow announced that a meeting is planned in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

“We are ready to talk. If it is a territorial issue, it must be addressed at the leadership level. Other issues fall within the remit of technical groups,” Zelensky said, quoted by Le Figaro.

Russia announced on Friday that the meeting is expected to take place in November, as part of United States-backed efforts to resume peace negotiations. Direct talks between Russia and Ukraine held in 2025 did not lead to an agreement, with the two sides remaining far apart.

Zelensky again rejected Moscow’s demands and stressed that the security guarantees requested by Ukraine, the size of its army and its choice of alliances are not negotiable. The Kremlin has repeatedly rejected a meeting between Putin and Zelensky before a final peace agreement.

The Ukrainian leader also called for an energy truce, amid fears that Russian attacks on infrastructure could intensify this winter. Russia is refusing a pause before a substantial agreement, arguing that it would allow Kyiv to rearm.