Zelenskyy Demands Ironclad Security Guarantees Ahead of Proposed Abu Dhabi Summit

In a pivotal address delivered during an online forum hosted by the Hudson Institute, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy underscored that the foundation of any viable peace agreement rests upon the establishment of security guarantees that are both concrete and dependable. Speaking on Friday, October 23, the President made it clear that for Kyiv, the issue of security is not merely a talking point but the central axis around which all diplomatic efforts must revolve.

President Zelenskyy highlighted the staggering humanitarian toll of the ongoing conflict, noting that approximately 9.5 million Ukrainian citizens—representing between 20% and 25% of the nation's total population—currently reside outside their homeland. This massive displacement has created a profound social and economic void within Ukraine. According to the President, the return of these millions of refugees is contingent upon the creation of a secure environment, which can only be guaranteed through international frameworks that provide genuine protection against future aggression.

Diplomatic attention is now shifting toward the United Arab Emirates, where trilateral discussions involving representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States are expected to take place in Abu Dhabi during the first half of November. While the Russian authorities have acknowledged the planning of these talks, the primary agenda is expected to focus on the complex mechanisms of ensuring long-term stability and security for both Ukraine and Russia following a potential cessation of hostilities.

Zelenskyy expressed a high degree of readiness for these deliberations, stating that Ukraine is prepared to enter negotiations immediately, even as soon as tomorrow. However, he cautioned that the actual commencement of these talks depends entirely on the willingness and cooperation of the Russian side. Beyond the trilateral structure, Zelenskyy advocated for a more inclusive diplomatic approach, suggesting that the participation of European nations and other strategic partners is essential. He argued that since the conflict has implications for global stability, the solution must be endorsed by a broader coalition of allies.

Furthermore, the Ukrainian leader pointed out a critical gap in current diplomatic efforts: the divide between technical negotiations and political decision-making. Zelenskyy argued that while technical teams can lay the groundwork, the most contentious and pivotal issues—such as territorial integrity and sovereign guarantees—can only be resolved at the highest level of leadership. He called for the elevation of the Abu Dhabi talks from a technical exchange to a summit of heads of state.

In tandem with these multilateral efforts, Kyiv is continuing to pursue bilateral security arrangements with the United States and is actively working toward its objective of NATO membership. The President emphasized that every proposal currently being discussed with various allies contains the requirement for robust security assurances. For Ukraine, the goal is to move beyond symbolic gestures toward a framework that provides a credible deterrent against future incursions, ensuring that the peace achieved is not merely a temporary ceasefire but a lasting resolution.