The Kremlin confirmed on Friday, 23 October 2026, that the upcoming peace talks between Russia, the United States, and Ukraine, scheduled for the first half of November in Abu Dhabi, will proceed in a trilateral format — while explicitly declining to rule out eventual European participation.

What the Kremlin Said

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov addressed reporters during a media briefing, stating: 'Nothing can be ruled out a priori. But these negotiations we're discussing, scheduled for the first half of November in Abu Dhabi, will be in a trilateral format.' Peskov made the remark in direct response to a question about whether the talks could expand into a four-party format involving Europe.

According to reports citing Russian state media, the discussions are expected to centre on security guarantees for both Russia and Ukraine once a peace agreement is reached — an agenda that, analysts note, could naturally draw in European stakeholders given the continent's own security architecture.

Russian Diesel Shipments to the US Resume

In a separate but notable development from the same briefing, Peskov confirmed that the first tanker carrying Russian diesel fuel had already departed for the United States, with further regular shipments to follow. 'I believe there have already been reports from the Ministry of Energy that the first tanker has already departed for its intended destination, its buyers. From now on, they will continue rhythmically,' he said. The resumption of energy trade between Moscow and Washington adds an economic dimension to a diplomatic relationship that remains fraught.

Trump Presses Zelensky to Settle

The Kremlin's announcement comes against the backdrop of sharpening pressure from US President Donald Trump on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Speaking in the Oval Office alongside Vice President J D Vance, Trump warned that delaying a peace agreement could leave Ukraine in an increasingly difficult position, arguing that Russia was steadily gaining territory and that Kyiv might no longer be able to secure the terms that were available earlier in the conflict.

Trump cited Russia's larger population as a significant advantage in sustaining a prolonged war, and noted that both sides had suffered enormous casualties, but maintained that Ukraine faced greater demographic constraints. 'Ukraine has to want to settle this war. Zelensky has to want to settle this war. And if he doesn't, I think it's going to be a very bad thing,' Trump said. He argued that Zelensky had an opportunity to negotiate more favourable terms during earlier discussions with Washington.

Europe's Role: Open Question

Peskov's careful phrasing — acknowledging European participation is not ruled out while insisting the format remains trilateral — reflects the diplomatic complexity surrounding the talks. European capitals have long insisted they cannot be excluded from any security arrangement on the continent, and the choice of Abu Dhabi as a venue underscores the role of UAE as a neutral broker in the conflict. This is not the first time the Gulf state has served as a back-channel location; Abu Dhabi hosted prisoner exchange discussions in earlier phases of the war.

What Comes Next

With the talks tentatively set for the first half of November, the coming weeks will determine whether Europe secures a formal seat at the table or remains a stakeholder on the margins of a process with direct consequences for its security. Any framework that emerges on security guarantees will carry implications for NATO's eastern flank and the broader post-war order in Europe.