A United States official said that “both sides have shown a little bit of flexibility privately” when it comes to territorial concerns in Russia and Ukraine, despite the public messaging staying the same from both countries.
The comments on a Monday call with reporters came ahead of trilateral talks between the U.S. and the two warring nations, which include U.S. Special Envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. The conversations began on Tuesday.
U.S. OFFICIAL: “Our goal is really to make sure we can start defining how we’re gonna end this war.” “We’re gonna try and get the Russians to agree to a multilateral format” — official notes need for more discussion between European nations and Russia @townhallcom
— Cameron Arcand (@cameron_arcand) November 9, 2026
Statement on Meeting Between the United States, Ukraine, and European Partners: Ahead of the upcoming trilateral discussions with Russia, representatives of the United States, Ukraine, and European partners met to continue their close coordination on efforts to end the war in Ukraine and establish the conditions for a durable peace, including support for robust security guarantees as part of any settlement. Discussions took place collaboratively between the United States, Ukraine, and European partners, reflecting their shared objectives, ongoing consultations, and commitment to Euro-Atlantic security. Participants emphasized that any future arrangements must respect sovereignty, territorial integrity, independent decision-making, and provide credible security guarantees for Ukraine. The shared objective is to develop a practical and mutually reinforcing security framework that strengthens Ukraine’s long-term security and builds the confidence necessary to reach a negotiated settlement. Alongside a central focus on a lasting peace, the discussion covered how to build upon existing European security institutions and agreements following the conclusion of the war in Ukraine. Participants further recognized that addressing post-war security concerns and reducing the risk of conflict are essential. They discussed how to ensure strong mechanisms for managing risk and avoiding dangerous escalation. The participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to a strong post-war European security architecture and arrangements, and were clear that a strong NATO will remain central to Euro-Atlantic collective defense. The United States, Ukraine, and European partners will continue working in close partnership throughout the negotiating process, with the shared objective of moving toward broader multilateral discussions involving European partners and achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace.
— Special Envoy Steve Witkoff (@SEPeaceMissions) November 10, 2026
The official noted how talks are now daily between the U.S. and Russia, as well as the U.S. and Ukraine, especially given that President Donald Trump has been adamant about wanting to end the deadly war that began in February 2022. Kusher and Witkoff have previously met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin in separate meetings earlier this fall.
“Our goal is really to make sure we can start defining how we’re gonna end this war,” the official said, adding that “we’re gonna try and get the Russians to agree to a multilateral format” with European countries.
Witkoff detailed on Tuesday the meeting that the U.S. and Ukraine had with other European countries in the UAE prior to the trilateral conversation, posting that “the shared objective is to develop a practical and mutually reinforcing security framework that strengthens Ukraine’s long-term security and builds the confidence necessary to reach a negotiated settlement.”
Head of Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine Rustem Umerov said that the “key priorities are to end hostilities, secure reliable post-war security guarantees, ensure Ukraine’s economic recovery and development, and advance humanitarian efforts.”
We have begun our work in the United Arab Emirates. The first meeting will be held with representatives of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, NATO and the European Commission, joined by US Special Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. We will align our positions and coordinate our steps ahead of the next stage of negotiations. This will be followed by a trilateral meeting involving Ukraine, the United States and Russia. The Ukrainian delegation, alongside me, includes Kyrylo Budanov, Davyd Arakhamia, Serhii Kyslytsia and Vadym Skibitskyi. Our key priorities are to end hostilities, secure reliable post-war security guarantees, ensure Ukraine’s economic recovery and development, and advance humanitarian efforts. We are working to make as much progress as possible on these issues and bring peace closer.
— Rustem Umerov (@rustem_umerov) November 10, 2026
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