Zelensky presses US envoys on air defence and security guarantees
Volodymyr Zelensky said his 4 November call with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner covered air-defence ammunition, drone cooperation and post-war security guarantees. Ukraine presented its proposals ahead of technical negotiations involving Ukrainian, Russian and American teams in Abu Dhabi. Zelensky highlighted the need for Patriot interceptors to protect people from Russian attacks.
Geopolitics··Morning
Air defence and guarantees on the call
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke on 4 November with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump’s special envoys working on negotiations to end Russia’s war against Ukraine. Zelensky said the conversation lasted an hour and a half. He described discussions on air-defence ammunition, bilateral drone cooperation and security guarantees after a peace settlement, and said Ukraine had presented its proposals to the American side.[1], [2]
Zelensky said Ukraine needed interceptors for Patriot air-defence systems to protect people from Russian attacks. He called for continued work on the countries’ drone cooperation and for robust post-war guarantees. His account announced no ammunition delivery or signed security agreement. Witkoff and Kushner had not publicly commented on the conversation when Kyiv Post published its account.[1], [2]
Technical teams prepare to meet in Abu Dhabi
The call took place before technical negotiations planned for 10–11 November in Abu Dhabi. Ukrainian and Russian teams are due to participate with US mediation. A subsequent summit could involve Zelensky, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump, although no leaders’ meeting has been confirmed. Zelensky urged an intensive negotiating pace to end the war as quickly as possible.[1]
Zelensky and Putin had separately expressed willingness to negotiate after October meetings with Witkoff. American representatives also met European partners in Brussels on the day of the call to coordinate peace efforts ahead of the Abu Dhabi gathering.[1]
Ceasefire positions remain far apart
The government in Kyiv has called for a ceasefire along existing front lines. Moscow has rejected truce proposals and demanded that Ukraine give up territory Russia has not occupied. Earlier negotiations included prisoner exchanges and limited, short-term truces. A local ceasefire in Oleshky, a Russian-occupied town in southern Ukraine, allowed civilians to evacuate.[1]
The latest contacts follow tensions over the Trump administration’s agreement to buy Russian diesel and its waiving of sanctions on Moscow. Ukraine’s proposals on air defence and future security remain part of the negotiations. Zelensky said his country was ready to take the necessary steps and had made its proposals clear to Washington.[1]
