Zelensky visits Berlin coinciding with tripartite peace talks in Abu Dhabi

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will arrive in Berlin today (Tuesday, November 3, 2026), ahead of a new round of talks between Russia and Ukraine on ending the war. Merz's announcement came during a speech he delivered before the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Berlin. "He will be here with me again right this afternoon," Mertz said. The visit was not announced in advance for security reasons.

Before the arrival of Volodymyr Zelensky, US Special Envoy Steve Witkov announced a new round of talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States, which are scheduled to be held today, Tuesday, and tomorrow, Wednesday, in Abu Dhabi. The talks will be held at the level of advisors to heads of state and government. "The talks will address post-war security arrangements, de-escalation, humanitarian aid, and next steps on the path to peace," Witkopf said.

According to Witkopf, American envoys are also scheduled to meet during this week with representatives of Germany, France, Britain, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and the European Union. The talks scheduled in Brussels will address security guarantees for Ukraine, post-war European security arrangements, and reconstruction. The Europeans insist on participating in the negotiations. Germany expects European participation in the Abu Dhabi talks, although, according to current data, the Europeans will not be a party at the negotiating table.

Strict measures to secure Zelensky's visit

The German police took extensive security measures on the occasion of Zelensky's visit to Berlin in the context of his participation in a conference that includes a number of senior guests. About 3,400 additional police officers are participating in securing the visit. Police reported that support came from almost all parts of Germany. Motorists are expected to face traffic congestion and traffic disturbances in the capital. Parts of the government district were closed, and armed police officers were stationed at checkpoints since the early morning. Police special operations units were also deployed, along with snipers. The closure measures also included streets in the western area of ​​the city centre. The subway will not stop temporarily at the German Parliament “Bundestag” station. Parts of the Spree River in the government district, along with the airspace over Berlin, will also be closed for temporary periods. Zelensky's visit, which is subject to the highest levels of security classification, was not previously announced. Yesterday, Monday, the police spoke of the expected arrival of a number of senior foreign officials to participate in the Berlin Security Conference. Representatives of defense industry companies, military experts and scientists will also participate in the conference to discuss military threats and the security situation. More than 140 speakers are scheduled to participate in various sessions.