The Abu Dhabi talks, the first direct discussions between Ukrainian and Russian representatives in nine months, resulted in an agreement to swap a large number of prisoners, though the exact number remains unannounced. No major breakthroughs were achieved, and plans for a new round of talks were announced, with Witkoff saying the next meeting will include European representatives. Zelenskyy in Dublin said, “Next meeting, Europe will be during negotiations, will be a negotiation team — not some way, not separately. They will have a voice.”

The U.S. and Zelenskyy want Europe to appoint a single representative to join negotiations, but Russia opposes European involvement, accusing the continent of financing Ukraine’s war effort. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, “The Europeans squabble like spiders in a jar. If someone takes the initiative to establish contact with the Russian side, such people are facing ostracism.”

Putin reaffirmed his hardline stance during the Moscow meeting, warning that any European troop deployment in Ukraine after a ceasefire would be “absolutely unacceptable” and would be seen as a security threat. He also insisted on full control over four Ukrainian regions Russia claims to have annexed. “In other words, the war would resume immediately,” he said.

European leaders have been hesitant to name a single negotiator. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas suggested she should represent the EU, but no agreement was reached. An EU official said, “Do I expect an agreement on a special representative? My answer is no, I don’t.”

Zelenskyy, speaking in Dublin, said political changes in the U.S. and Europe could create a “window of opportunity” for a peace deal before the end of 2026. He reiterated that Ukraine will not surrender occupied territory. “The political landscape in Europe could change in 2027. … We also see changes already taking place in the United States,” he said.

Meanwhile, fighting continues along the 1,200-kilometer front line, and Russia’s strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure are disrupting heat and electricity as winter approaches. Zelenskyy also raised concerns about renewed disruptions to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite service, which hampers Ukraine’s ability to intercept Russian jet-drones. “More of our people are killed,” he said.