President Donald Trump has instructed his envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to intensify efforts to find a negotiated end to the Russia-Ukraine war, according to Kushner, who spoke as a new round of U.S.-mediated talks began in Abu Dhabi on November 10. Kushner said Trump had asked the team to put in “extra effort” to develop a solution that would end the conflict while leaving both countries in a stronger position to pursue their future potential. He added that American negotiators had held frequent discussions with both sides and had identified several remaining gaps that they believe could be addressed through further negotiations. The meetings bring together U.S., Russian and Ukrainian representatives for the first trilateral discussions since February, with additional talks scheduled for November 11. Ukraine’s delegation, led by Rustem Umerov, has emphasized the need for lasting peace and credible security guarantees, while Russia’s delegation is headed by Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky. The renewed diplomatic effort follows months of limited progress and continued fighting between the two countries.

Despite the renewed negotiations, significant disagreements remain, particularly over territorial control, Ukraine’s future security arrangements and the role European countries should play in any eventual settlement. Moscow continues to demand Ukrainian concessions over territory, including areas of the Donetsk region, while Kyiv has rejected surrendering land it still controls and is seeking guarantees against future Russian aggression. The United States is also pushing for European involvement in broader discussions about the continent’s long-term security, although Russia has resisted including European representatives in the core trilateral format. Kushner described the objective as more than simply stopping the fighting, pointing to the possibility of a wider security framework involving Ukraine, Russia and Europe. The talks have created another diplomatic opening, but no final agreement has been announced, and the outcome will depend on whether the parties can narrow their differences. For now, the central question remains whether Trump's renewed push can translate into concrete commitments and a lasting end to the war.