The Kremlin: Direct talks with Ukraine in Abu Dhabi during November

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Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov revealed on Friday that direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, with American mediation, are “scheduled” in November in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

"These talks are scheduled to take place... in Abu Dhabi during the first half of November," Peskov told reporters, according to Agence France-Presse.

This announcement came as the White House intensified its diplomatic efforts, with its envoy Steve Witkoff holding talks on Tuesday and Wednesday in Oslo with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders, followed by discussions in St. Petersburg with Russian President Vladimir Putin, with the aim of reviving peace negotiations that have been stalled since the beginning of the year.

After those meetings, both Ukraine and Russia expressed their readiness to resume direct negotiations with American mediation.

Moscow also indicated a date “close to November 10,” while Kiev called for talks “as soon as possible.”

However, Putin warned on Thursday evening that the goal of these negotiations is to reach a “final agreement,” and not just a “brief pause in the fighting,” as Kiev and its allies are demanding.