President Donald Trump said on Friday, November 6, 2026, that Russia and Ukraine want to settle the war "for the first time", raising hopes of a breakthrough ahead of talks in Abu Dhabi next week. Speaking to reporters in Florida after a day of phone calls on the conflict, Trump predicted "a very big settlement" that "could involve all of Europe", and said he would hold more calls on Saturday. The Trump Ukraine settlement push comes as the war nears its fifth year. But President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned the same day that a sweeping deal struck over Ukraine's head could be dangerous, insisting talks must first end the fighting and lock in security guarantees for his country.

Key Points

• Trump said Friday he held phone calls that day on settling the Ukraine war and would hold more on Saturday: "Russia and Ukraine, for the first time they want to settle".
• He predicted "a very big settlement" that "could involve all of Europe", with meetings set for Monday and Tuesday ahead of trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi on November 10-11.
• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called Trump on Friday about the planned talks, with Berlin stressing that Europe must take part.
• Envoy Jared Kushner said Wednesday that Washington seeks a new European security framework built on sovereignty and territorial integrity, with no veto over another country's alliances.
• Zelenskyy warned Friday that a Europe-wide deal with Russia could divide the continent into spheres of influence, but said Ukraine would back a full ceasefire or a limited energy or maritime truce.

What Happened

Trump spoke to reporters in Florida on Friday after a day on the phone about Ukraine. He said he had held calls that day on settling the war and would hold more on Saturday, November 7. "Russia and Ukraine, for the first time they want to settle," he said, adding that he expected "a very big settlement" that "could involve all of Europe". Meetings are planned for Monday and Tuesday, building toward the US-mediated trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi on November 10-11.

The remarks were the most upbeat signal yet from the White House that both sides might be ready to talk seriously about ending a war that began in February 2022. They followed a busy week of diplomacy, including Thursday's unscheduled Oval Office meeting with Kirill Dmitriev, Russian President Vladimir Putin's special envoy, at which Trump predicted a "big, beautiful agreement".

Background and Context

The push for a settlement has gathered pace in recent days. On Wednesday, November 4, Kushner said Washington was working on a new European security framework built on sovereignty and territorial integrity. On Thursday, November 5, First Lady Melania Trump brought Russian and Ukrainian representatives together at the White House, days after a local ceasefire she helped broker in Oleshky allowed hundreds of civilians to be evacuated.

The Abu Dhabi talks on November 10-11 are the next fixed point, the latest in a series of US-mediated efforts to end the war, which has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions of Ukrainians. Earlier rounds produced local ceasefires and prisoner exchanges, but no lasting settlement.

Trump Ukraine Settlement: What a Europe-Wide Deal Could Mean

Trump's phrase "could involve all of Europe" is doing a lot of work, and it is also what worries Kyiv. A deal confined to Ukraine would cover a ceasefire, occupied territory and security guarantees. A Europe-wide deal would go further, setting new rules for the continent's security order, with no country able to veto another's alliances.

For Zelenskyy, the danger is that a grand bargain between Washington and Moscow could trade away Ukrainian interests. He said he learned of the proposed Europe-wide security agreement in a call with Kushner and envoy Steve Witkoff, and warned it could divide the continent into spheres of influence. He insisted talks must first end the war and settle security guarantees for Ukraine, and rejected territorial concessions. But he also showed flexibility, saying Ukraine would support a full ceasefire or a limited truce on energy or maritime targets, while noting Moscow had offered no meaningful signs of readiness.

Reactions and Quotes

Trump's own words set the tone. "Russia and Ukraine, for the first time they want to settle," he told reporters, a claim that, if true, would mark a sharp change after years in which each side accused the other of refusing to negotiate in good faith.

Zelenskyy's response was cautious rather than dismissive. He did not reject talks, and restated Ukraine's openness to a ceasefire. But his warning about spheres of influence was pointed: a Europe carved into zones controlled by great powers is exactly the outcome Ukraine has fought to avoid. Merz's call underlined that Europe expects a seat at the table.

Why It Matters

If Trump is right that both sides want to settle for the first time, it would be the most significant opening since the war began. A genuine negotiation could stop the killing, open the way for reconstruction and let millions of displaced Ukrainians plan for a future at home. It would also decide whether Europe's borders are settled by force or by agreement, and whether Ukraine's right to choose its alliances is protected in writing.

What Happens Next

Trump said he would hold more calls on Saturday, November 7, with meetings planned for Monday and Tuesday. Those sessions will test whether Friday's optimism survives contact with the details, above all territory and security guarantees. The trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi on November 10-11 are the first real deadline, and Moscow's response will show whether the Kremlin shares Trump's reading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Trump say about Russia and Ukraine settling?
On Friday, November 6, 2026, Trump said he had held phone calls that day on settling the Ukraine war and would hold more on Saturday, adding: "Russia and Ukraine, for the first time they want to settle." He predicted "a very big settlement" that "could involve all of Europe".

When are the Abu Dhabi talks?
US-mediated trilateral talks between American, Russian and Ukrainian officials are scheduled for November 10-11 in Abu Dhabi, with meetings planned for the Monday and Tuesday before them.

What is the European security framework Kushner described?
On Wednesday, November 4, Jared Kushner said Washington is pursuing a new European security framework built on sovereignty and territorial integrity, with no country holding a veto over another's security alliances.

Why is Zelenskyy worried about a Europe-wide deal?
Zelenskyy warned Friday that a security agreement with Russia covering all of Europe could be dangerous and risk dividing the continent into spheres of influence. He said talks must first end the war and settle security guarantees for Ukraine, and rejected territorial concessions.

Would Ukraine accept a limited ceasefire?
Yes. Zelenskyy said Ukraine would support a full ceasefire or a limited truce on energy or maritime targets, but added that Moscow had offered no meaningful signs of readiness.

Related Coverage

Related: Trump meets Putin envoy Dmitriev and predicts big, beautiful Ukraine deal, Melania Trump ceasefire brings hope to Oleshky as Ukraine aid mission begins and Zelenskyy awards Melania Trump Ukraine's Order of Princess Olga.