Friedrich Merz says it is "important" Russia "finally and seriously" engages in ceasefire talks

On an unannounced visit to Berlin on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he hoped US-mediated adviser-level talks with Russia in Abu Dhabi on November 10-11 would lead to a three-way leaders’ meeting including Russian President Vladimir Putin. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, appearing alongside him, said he had not yet seen Russia show readiness to negotiate an end to the fighting and a peace deal. US envoy Steve Witkoff announced the Abu Dhabi round, and the Kremlin confirmed a Russian delegation led by Vladimir Medinsky would attend. European governments want a seat at the table but are not expected in Abu Dhabi; US envoys were due to meet German, French, UK, NATO and EU representatives in Brussels. The talks are part of a diplomatic push to end the war.