Trilateral peace talks between delegations from Russia, Ukraine and the United States, which lasted two days, have concluded in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi.
This was reported to journalists by Ukrainian presidential adviser Dmytro Lytvyn, according to LB.ua.
The talks were attended by military representatives from all three sides. On Ukraine’s side were Rustem Umerov, Kyrylo Budanov, Andriy Hnativ, Davyd Arakhamiya, Serhiy Kyslytsya, and Vadym Skibitskyy. On the American side were Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Dan Driscoll, Alex Grinkevich, and Josh Grunbaum. Representatives of military intelligence and the Russian army were present on the Russian side.
The head of the Ukrainian delegation, NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov, said that on the first day of negotiations the parties discussed the parameters for ending the war and the further logic of the negotiation process.
According to Reuters, despite optimistic statements by US Special Representative for Peace Steve Witkoff, the Russian side remains adamant in its demands. The Kremlin insists on the transfer of the entire Donbas region to Russia, including the part of Donetsk Region that is under Ukrainian control. It is precisely the territorial issues that remain unresolved in the 20-point framework agreement that Ukraine is working on with the US and which the American side is coordinating with Russia.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasised that many issues were discussed during the negotiations and that the talks were constructive.
The negotiators focused on possible parameters for ending the war.
“I really appreciate the awareness of the need for American monitoring and control over the process of ending the war and ensuring real security. The American side raised the issue of possible formats for establishing the parameters for ending the war and the security conditions necessary for this,” the president emphasised.
Following the meetings held over the past few days, all parties agreed to report to their capitals on each aspect of the negotiations and to agree on further steps with their leaders.
The military identified a list of issues for a possible next meeting.
Provided there is a willingness to move forward (and Ukraine is ready), further meetings will take place, potentially as early as next week.
“I am looking forward to a personal report from the delegation upon its return. I am grateful to the UAE and personally to the President of the Emirates for their mediation and willingness to host further meetings. Ukraine is working for peace and security. Thank you to everyone who is helping!” Zelenskyy concluded.