Representatives from Russia, Ukraine and the United States met in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Tuesday for the first round of trilateral talks aimed at resolving the Moscow–Kyiv conflict. It marked the first time all three countries have participated in joint negotiations since the war began nearly four years ago.
US officials described the discussions as productive, confirming that talks will continue today. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russian President Vladimir Putin must demonstrate a willingness to end the war he initiated. In a social media post following the first day of talks, Zelensky cautioned that it was too early to draw conclusions, adding that outcomes would depend on how discussions progress and what results emerge.
Territorial disputes remain the main obstacle, particularly Russia’s demand that Ukraine relinquish 25 per cent of the Donetsk region still under Kyiv’s control. The Abu Dhabi meeting follows lengthy discussions in Moscow between President Putin and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, which Russia described as constructive.
UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed the launch of negotiations, stressing that lasting conflict resolution can only be achieved through dialogue and de-escalation.
Russia’s delegation is led by General Igor Kostyukov, head of the GRU military intelligence agency. Russian investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev is also expected to hold separate talks with US envoy Steve Witkoff on economic matters. Ukraine’s delegation includes National Security Chief Rustem Umerov, General Staff Chief Andrey Gnatov, negotiator David Arakhamia, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Kislitsa, and Kirill Budanov, head of President Zelensky’s office.
