Trilateral Ukraine Talks Begin in Abu Dhabi
The second round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi has begun. Two-day meetings are scheduled for February 4 and 5. US representatives are present at the summit alongside the Russian and Ukrainian delegations. Here is what is known so far about the talks.
Who is Participating in the Talks
Russia and Ukraine are represented by the same delegations as before. The Russian delegation is again led by Chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Igor Kostyukov. The Ukrainian side is represented by a group headed by Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov.
Before the start of the new meetings, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that US participation in the talks in Abu Dhabi would be «minimal.» However, the American delegation is still directly involved.
Today, US President’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and entrepreneur Jared Kushner flew to Abu Dhabi. The White House reported that they will hold separate meetings on February 4.
What the Sides Will Discuss
The territorial issue remains the most important in the process of resolving the Ukrainian crisis. There are also many other important topics on the agenda. This was stated earlier by Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov.
According to US permanent representative to NATO Matthew Whitaker, the territorial issue is considered the most difficult in the peace process. But he believes that the end of the conflict is «inevitable.»
«We are getting closer and closer to reaching an agreement,» Whitaker is quoted as saying by Fox News.
However, Kyiv is not yet ready for territorial compromises. Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky previously said this.
The Kremlin commented on his statement. According to press secretary Dmitry Peskov, as for Donbas, the dynamics at the front speak for themselves. He noted that there is nothing more to add on this issue.
Moreover, the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donbas is considered an important part of the entire peace plan. Peskov reminded that the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has been under Russian control for more than two years.
Expectations from the Talks
US President Donald Trump hinted at imminent positive changes in the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. He said that «good news» is expected in resolving the conflict.
«I think we are doing very well on Ukraine and Russia. I’m saying this for the first time. You know, I think we may have good news,» the US president said at an event held at the White House.
Recently, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized that Brussels does not intend to take a leading role in resuming dialogue with Moscow and is not ready to compromise on the Ukrainian issue. Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund and special representative of the Russian President for investment and economic cooperation with foreign countries, believes that such an «aggressive» stance by Kallas hinders a peaceful resolution.
