Kremlin Says Middle East Conflict Could Delay Ukraine Talks as Dispute Over Europe’s Role Persists
Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov said the next Russia-Ukraine-US talks would depend partly on the Middle East conflict and battlefield developments, raising doubts about a November resumption.
RUSSIA,POLITICS
Global N Press
10/28/20261 min read
MOSCOW, October 28, 2026 — Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov said the timing of the next round of Russia-Ukraine-US talks would depend partly on the conflict in the Middle East and developments on the battlefield, casting doubt on whether negotiations could resume in November. Moscow had not proposed a specific date, Ushakov said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he hoped the three sides could meet in Abu Dhabi between November 6 and 10 and argued that European countries should also participate. Russia said the current understanding covered trilateral consultations, with European participation not yet discussed.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on October 27 that no settlement could be reached without Ukraine and Europe at the negotiating table. Britain, Germany and France have also called for Europe to play a role in the diplomatic process. Washington has been seeking to restart negotiations, but the parties remain divided over security arrangements, territorial questions and the format of future talks.
Ushakov said broader international conditions and military developments would also affect the timing. The discussions indicate continued interest in diplomatic engagement, but no confirmed meeting date or agreed framework for European participation had emerged by October 28. Whether renewed talks can produce substantive progress will depend on further diplomatic decisions and the positions of the parties involved.
