Abu Dhabi talks begin as Democrats seize Congress
Moscow expects President Trump to continue Ukraine diplomacy despite shifting power in Washington, with negotiations set for Tuesday and Wednesday.
By Khalid Khalil ·
Russian, Ukrainian, and American delegates will meet in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday and Wednesday to continue negotiations on the conflict.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed preparations for the talks are underway. He stated that the Kremlin views potential congressional challenges to President Donald Trump’s policies as an internal American matter.
The diplomatic session follows the US midterm elections, in which Democrats secured control of Congress. This shift is set to take effect in January. Moscow has expressed hope that Trump will maintain his current negotiating approach despite the changing political balance in Washington.
Recent administrative actions have favored Moscow. In October, Trump reached a diesel import agreement with Russia and urged Ukraine to halt strikes on Russian oil refineries. He cited those strikes as a primary cause of rising US diesel prices, although the Iran war was the main driver of global energy cost increases.
Trump also suspended new sanctions against Russia, citing the national interest. The diesel deal faced hurdles this week when US federal and state officials warned of legal consequences for handling shipments. Two tankers bound for the United States diverted, but Moscow maintained that deliveries would proceed.
Ukraine is pressing for more US-made Patriot interceptors to counter Russian ballistic missiles. The administration approved a $2.1 billion interceptor sale on October 30 after Kyiv accused the Pentagon of delays. The Iran war has depleted American stockpiles, causing Washington to prioritize rebuilding its own supplies.
Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy head of the Security Council, predicted Trump would become less willing to pressure Ukraine to avoid further disputes with Democrats. Strong bipartisan support could allow Congress to pass additional assistance or sanctions with enough votes to override a presidential veto.
President Volodymyr Zelensky told German broadcaster ZDF on Wednesday that Democrats had been particularly clear about supporting Ukraine. He said the election could improve prospects for faster Patriot deliveries. Other analysts, including Atlantic Council’s Jorn Fleck, cautioned that Congress may have limited influence over presidential foreign policy powers.
