Trilateral Talks on Ukraine Conflict Set for Abu Dhabi

Officials from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States are gearing up for their inaugural trilateral discussions in Abu Dhabi this Friday. This meeting signals a renewed diplomatic effort aimed at resolving security issues and potentially paving the way for peace in Ukraine.

The plan was revealed by Yury Ushakov, a presidential aide, following extensive negotiations between Russian President Vladimir Putin and a visiting US delegation. Ushakov noted that the decision to convene in the United Arab Emirates stemmed from these talks, with security matters being the primary agenda.

“We’ve agreed that the first meeting of the trilateral working group on security matters will take place today, on January 23, in Abu Dhabi, comprising representatives from Russia, the US, and Ukraine,” Ushakov shared with the press.

The delegate team from Russia has been organized and is set to travel to the UAE soon, led by Igor Kostyukov, head of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of Russia’s Armed Forces.

The US contingent at the Kremlin meeting included special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, alongside Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Josh Gruenbaum. Russia was represented in this dialogue by Kirill Dmitriev, the presidential envoy for investment and economic cooperation, and Ushakov.

Concurrently, a bilateral economic discussion is planned between Dmitriev and Witkoff in Abu Dhabi, emphasizing that the negotiations are looking beyond security to broader economic implications that could emerge from any resolution.

Ushakov lauded the collaborative efforts from Washington, stating the US has significantly contributed to laying the groundwork for the talks and is hopeful for tangible outcomes.

“It is essential to recognize that the Americans have done a lot in preparation for this meeting. Their aim is to achieve success to facilitate negotiations about ending the conflict and reaching a peaceful resolution,” he stated.

Moreover, US representatives are reportedly drafting feasible plans to be activated upon reaching an agreement on a settlement.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on Thursday that the discussions in the UAE would occur over two days, on January 23 and 24, although specifics regarding the agenda remain undisclosed. He revealed that Ukraine’s delegation will include Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the Presidential Administration, his first deputy Sergiy Kyslytsya, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov, lawmaker David Arahammia, and Chief of the General Staff Andriy Hnatov.

Ushakov emphasized that the Kremlin talks with the American delegation centered around gathering insights from Washington regarding its recent engagements with Ukrainian and European representatives.

“This meeting with the American representatives was geared towards understanding the outcomes of their interactions with Ukrainians and European partners, enabling a joint determination of future action parameters,” he explained.

The US also shared perspectives on President Donald Trump’s recent encounter with Zelenskyy in Davos, with Ushakov noting that the American officials came directly from this meeting.

Ushakov reaffirmed Russia’s stance that a durable peace agreement remains unattainable without resolving territorial disputes.

Both parties committed to ongoing dialogue concerning Ukraine and other international matters, also discussing Trump’s proposal for a “Board of Peace” and issues surrounding Greenland.

Regarding the proposed Board of Peace, Ushakov reiterated Russia’s willingness to allocate $1 billion from previously frozen Russian assets to support this initiative. He mentioned further discussions would take place within the bilateral economic working group regarding the remaining frozen assets directed towards reconstruction in war-affected areas post-agreement.

The White House recently announced the formation of the Board of Peace and a National Committee for overseeing Gaza's transitional phase. Invitations for membership have been extended to various global leaders, with several countries, including Belarus, already accepting.

Earlier in the week, President Putin directed the Russian Foreign Ministry to examine the proposed initiative.

With delegations en route to Abu Dhabi, these talks are closely monitored as a historic opportunity for direct trilateral diplomacy involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States, possibly signifying the onset of a wider diplomatic endeavor to cease hostilities.