Negotiators from Ukraine, Russia and the United States are gathering in Abu Dhabi on Friday for what officials say will be the first talks involving all three countries since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The meeting follows overnight talks in Moscow between Russian President Vladimir Putin and envoys of US President Donald Trump, which the Kremlin described as “useful” and “very frank.” However, few details have emerged about what was discussed or how it may shape the Abu Dhabi talks.
Trump is sending envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who are travelling from Moscow to the UAE. Russia’s delegation is led by General Igor Kostyukov, head of the GRU military intelligence agency, with investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev also in the country for separate discussions.
Ukraine is sending senior officials, including national security and defence council head Rustem Umerov, presidential chief of staff Kyrylo Budanov, lead negotiator David Arakhamia and chief of the general staff Andrii Hnatov.
It remains unclear whether negotiators from all three countries will meet together in the same room, when talks will formally begin, or whether the discussions will yield any concrete outcomes. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously said a US-drafted, 20-point peace plan is largely complete, but disagreements remain particularly over territory in eastern Ukraine.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, Zelensky said he had reached an understanding with Trump on future US security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a peace deal. However, he stressed that the question of land remains unresolved, saying: “It’s all about the land.”
Trump, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, said he believed both Putin and Zelensky want to reach an agreement, adding: “We’ll find out.”
The talks come amid a flurry of diplomatic activity at Davos, where Trump also unveiled his new Board of Peace and met with Zelensky, while European leaders voiced concerns over security, governance and the future direction of global diplomacy.
Erizia Rubyjeana
Follow us on:
