Nov 13, 2026, 08:00 PM UTC

U.S. negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff have arrived in Moscow for high-level talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin following the conclusion of bilateral negotiations in Abu Dhabi. Upon arrival at Vnukovo airport, the envoys were greeted by Kirill Dmitriev, a special representative for the Russian presidency.

The preceding meetings in the United Arab Emirates wrapped up after a shortened two-hour session on their second day. Russian lead negotiator Vladimir Medinsky noted that preliminary understandings were achieved between the delegations. Following their meetings in the Russian capital, the American mediators are slated to travel to Dublin to confer with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who remains skeptical of the process and continues to demand robust security guarantees alongside full sovereignty over the Donbas region.

Sources: Diário de Notícias (DN), Expresso, Jornal Económico.

Following trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States in Abu Dhabi, participants and observers remain divided over the potential for a diplomatic breakthrough. While Ukrainian officials noted positive momentum and suggested a potential resolution by year-end, concrete achievements remain limited to a large-scale prisoner exchange involving over 2,000 individuals and talks on returning displaced children.

Significant hurdles persist as Moscow maintains maximalist demands. Reports indicate Russia presented proposals affecting broader European security architecture, including demands regarding NATO's footprint in Northern and Eastern Europe. Russian President Vladimir Putin subsequently tempered expectations of an immediate breakthrough during meetings with U.S. envoys, underscoring the deep divide over territorial integrity and long-term security guarantees for Kyiv.

Sources: Český rozhlas Plus, Deník N, Ekonomický deník, Hospodářské noviny, Respect, Seznam Zprávy

United States negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff have stated that European partners will participate in future peace negotiations concerning the war in Ukraine. Speaking after meetings in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin and in Dublin with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Kushner urged European nations to nominate a single representative for upcoming rounds.

According to US envoys, Moscow consented to expanding the negotiation framework, which aims to address post-war European security structures alongside core territorial issues. President Zelenskyy commended the US efforts, stating that Europe would now have a direct voice in discussions. Despite persistent differences between Kyiv and Moscow, envoys also indicated progress toward a substantial prisoner exchange.

Sources: Der Spiegel, DW, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau

Emergency services across the Baltic region have stood down following overnight air raid alerts linked to a Ukrainian drone strike on Russia's Kirishi oil refinery near St. Petersburg. The strike caused multiple explosions and a localized fire at the facility, alongside one civilian fatality caused by falling debris.

During the attack, at least four drones strayed into the airspace of neighboring Baltic countries, prompting NATO to scramble fighter aircraft and Finnish authorities to enforce temporary maritime and airspace restrictions. Civil defense networks and regional air traffic operations subsequently returned to normal status after authorities confirmed the uncrewed aerial vehicles had exited NATO airspace without causing infrastructure damage.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net

Russian occupation authorities continue to issue harsh prison sentences against Ukrainian civilians accused of collaboration with Kyiv's intelligence services. Reports detail the trial of cigarette vendor Natalia Kozhemyatskaya from Nova Kakhovka, who faced charges of aiding terrorism alongside three co-defendants after attempting to protect her son from the front line. Human rights disclosures reveal Kozhemyatskaya survived systemic torture and abuse while in custody.

Meanwhile, earlier reporting confirmed the hospitalization of 68-year-old Galyna Bekhter in Vologda, who is serving a 12.5-year treason sentence over alleged donations to the Ukrainian military, following a severe decline in her health.

On the battlefield, Ukrainian forces captured an Indonesian citizen fighting for a Russian assault unit in Zaporizhzhia, highlighting a sharp increase in Russian recruitment of foreign nationals.

Sources: Mediazona, Українська правда, NV, Радіо Свобода, NEXTA