Recent US diplomatic efforts under President Trump have positioned the UAE as a leading contender after Washington proposed technical-level trilateral talks there, reviving a format used in Abu Dhabi earlier in 2026. Zelensky confirmed the suggestion following his UNGA meeting with Trump, with the Kremlin indicating openness but deferring on details amid ongoing military operations and territorial demands. This keeps odds tight across neutral venues like Kazakhstan, Hungary, Turkey, and Serbia, as Russia has historically favored direct or select formats while Ukraine seeks security guarantees. Trader consensus reflects uncertainty over acceptance, timing before late 2027 deadlines, and potential shifts from battlefield developments or further US mediation.