Witkoff and Kushner seek Abu Dhabi deal to present to Putin and Zelensky

US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner aim to use trilateral talks with Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi on November 10-11 to "crystallize" decisions that Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky will need to make, unnamed US officials told Axios. The White House is "cautiously optimistic" about resuming peace negotiations, with one official saying relations built with Putin will be key. Witkoff and Kushner may travel to Moscow and Kyiv afterward for direct talks, having held daily phone calls with Russian and Ukrainian officials over the past two weeks. The talks will focus on two tracks: a military working group led by US General Alexus Grynkewich addressing ceasefire monitoring and security arrangements, and a political group tackling territorial demands, where Russia insists on control over all of Donbas while Ukraine only discusses a ceasefire along current front lines. Officials do not expect a signed agreement in Abu Dhabi, viewing the meeting as a framework-setting exercise.