Representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States are scheduled to convene in Abu Dhabi on Friday for what is being reported as the first multilateral dialogue involving all three parties since Russia initiated its comprehensive invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
This meeting follows a series of discussions held in Moscow between Russian President Vladimir Putin and emissaries dispatched by US President Donald Trump. The Kremlin characterized these preceding talks as "useful" and "very frank," although limited information has been shared regarding their substance or potential impact on the upcoming Abu Dhabi discussions.
President Trump has designated Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner as his envoys, who are en route to the United Arab Emirates from Moscow. The Russian contingent is headed by General Igor Kostyukov, the chief of the GRU military intelligence agency, and includes investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev, who is already in the country for separate engagements.
Ukraine's delegation comprises senior officials, including Rustem Umerov, the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council; Kyrylo Budanov, the Chief of Staff to the President; lead negotiator David Arakhamia; and Andrii Hnatov, the Chief of the General Staff.
It remains uncertain whether all three nations' negotiators will engage in direct, joint discussions, the precise timing of the talks' commencement, or if these deliberations will result in tangible agreements. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously indicated that a 20-point peace proposal drafted by the US is substantially finalized, but significant disagreements persist, particularly concerning territorial issues in eastern Ukraine.
During his participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, President Zelensky conveyed that he had reached a mutual understanding with President Trump regarding future security assurances for Ukraine in the event of a peace accord. Nevertheless, he underscored that territorial matters are still a point of contention, stating, "It’s all about the land."
President Trump, speaking to journalists aboard Air Force One, expressed his belief that both President Putin and President Zelensky are inclined towards reaching a resolution, remarking, "We’ll find out."
The diplomatic exchanges are occurring amidst a period of intense international dialogue at Davos, where President Trump also introduced his new Board of Peace and met with President Zelensky. Concurrently, European leaders have voiced apprehensions regarding security, governance, and the evolving landscape of global diplomacy.
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