Russia, Ukraine, and the US open talks in Abu Dhabi
Delegations began two-day negotiations on Tuesday, focusing on security guarantees while fighting continues along the 1,200-kilometer front line.
By Isaac Medina ·
Three-way negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States began Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, the first such meeting since February. The two-day session aims to address security guarantees as Washington pushes to end the conflict that started with Moscow's invasion in February 2022.
Ukraine's delegation met first with representatives from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, NATO, and the European Commission. Rustem Umerov, head of Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service, led the Kyiv team. Vladimir Medinsky, a senior aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, headed the Russian delegation. He stated that the Russian group has become larger and more professional.
U.S. envoy Jared Kushner said on social media that he and fellow envoy Steve Witkoff are working on a negotiated solution. He described the goal as creating conditions for a sovereign, secure, and prosperous Ukraine within a more stable European security environment. Kushner added that the talks would set the stage for direct engagement between Russia and European partners on broader security arrangements.
The delegations remain divided on core issues. President Vladimir Putin demands that Ukraine withdraw troops from the four regions Moscow annexed in September 2022. He also seeks limits on Ukraine's military size and an end to its bid to join NATO. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejects voluntary territorial cessions and military caps, arguing that an immediate ceasefire is the necessary first step toward a wider settlement.
Fighting has not paused during the diplomatic effort. Ukraine's air force reported that Russia launched 162 drones and a ballistic missile at Ukraine overnight. Russia's Ministry of Defense said its forces shot down 155 Ukrainian drones over eight Russian regions and the Crimean Peninsula. The armies remain largely deadlocked along the front line.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow welcomes the U.S. proposal to put collective security on the agenda. Trump declared last week that a grand deal regarding European security is in the works. He described it as a big agreement that will involve more than Ukraine. The U.S. envoys will hold separate consultations with European partners during the Abu Dhabi session.
