Trilateral talks between Ukraine, the US, and Russia have begun in Abu Dhabi: what is being discussed
4 February 13:02
Negotiations have begun in Abu Dhabi (UAE) between Ukraine, the US, and Russia.
This was announced by the head of the Ukrainian delegation, NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
“The negotiation process has begun in a trilateral format involving Ukraine, the United States, and Russia. Next, work will continue in separate groups on specific issues, after which a joint synchronization of positions is planned. We are working within the clear directives of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to achieve a dignified and lasting peace,” he wrote on Telegram.
The Ukrainian delegation is informing the president about the progress of each stage of the negotiations.
Russian dictator Dmitry Peskov’s spokesman said that Moscow allegedly “keeps the door open for a peaceful settlement.” However, “until Ukraine makes the ‘right decisions,’ Russia will continue its military operation (war against Ukraine – ed.).”
What will be discussed in the second round of negotiations between the US, Ukraine, and Russia
After the Russians violated the “energy truce,” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that “the work of the Ukrainian negotiating team will be adjusted accordingly.”
On February 2, the head of state announced that Ukrainian negotiators had left for the UAE.
He also said that Kyiv is ready to support the de-escalation steps proposed by the US, but is waiting for Moscow’s response regarding possible compromises. However, the issue of territories remains the most difficult.
The negotiations are expected to continue tomorrow, February 5. The Ukrainian team is awaiting feedback from the Russian side, which, after preliminary contacts, returned to its leadership to convey the positions of Ukraine and the US. According to Zelensky, this “feedback” will be discussed by the participants in the negotiation process.
The head of state noted that he will remain in contact with the delegation and will listen to what the Russian side has to say, in particular regarding its readiness to compromise. At the same time, Zelensky emphasized that signals should come not only from Ukraine, but also from Russia.
The president added that the Ukrainian side is ready to seek dialogue, but does not intend to compromise its positions.
It is likely that the issue of prisoner exchange, which has been halted by Moscow, will also be discussed in Abu Dhabi this time.
Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, who heads the Ukrainian delegation at the talks, announced on the eve of the second round that Ukrainians would soon hear “certain results” regarding the exchange of prisoners.
According to some Ukrainian and American sources familiar with the negotiations, “there are signs that the current negotiations may be more promising” than expected.
Who is in the negotiating teams
Ukrainian delegation
No changes in the composition of the Ukrainian team for the second round have been announced. In the previous negotiations, it was represented by:
- Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Rustem Umerov (head of the delegation);
- Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov;
- Serhiy Kyslytsya, Deputy Head of the Office of the President;
- Chief of the General Staff General Andriy Hnatov;
- Advisor to the Office of the President Oleksandr Bevz;
- Head of the Servant of the People faction David Arakhamia.
Russian delegation
The Kremlin has stated that the composition of their negotiating team will remain the same as in the first round, namely:
- Chief of the GRU Igor Kostyukov (head of the Russian negotiating team);
- First Deputy Head of the GRU Information Directorate Alexander Zorin,
- Putin’s envoy, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) Kirill Dmitriev.
- Translator Ilya Kurepov from the Linguistic Center of the Russian Ministry of Defense.
US representatives
The American side will be represented by Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
