Trilateral Talks Between Russia, Ukraine, and the US Set to Begin in Abu Dhabi

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Negotiators from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States are scheduled to engage in their inaugural trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi this Friday. This meeting signals a renewed diplomatic initiative to tackle security challenges and investigate potential routes to conclude the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The announcement, made in Moscow by Yury Ushakov, a presidential aide, follows an extended discussion between Russian President Vladimir Putin and an American delegation. Ushakov highlighted that the UAE was chosen as the venue during those negotiations, emphasizing that the discussions will center on security issues.

“It has been agreed that Friday, January 23, will mark the first session of the trilateral security-focused working group in Abu Dhabi, including representatives from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States,” Ushakov informed the press.

The Russian team has been finalized and is preparing to travel to the UAE, under the leadership of Igor Kostyukov, the head of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Russia.

The US contingent that met with Putin comprises special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, along with Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Josh Gruenbaum. From the Russian side, the Kremlin meeting saw participation from Kirill Dmitriev, the presidential envoy for investment and economic collaboration, along with Ushakov himself.

Alongside the trilateral discussion, a separate bilateral economic dialogue is planned between Dmitriev and Witkoff in Abu Dhabi. This highlights that both parties are looking beyond security to broader economic frameworks that could materialize post-settlement.

Ushakov commended the US for its role in arranging the talks, stating that Washington has made significant efforts to lay the groundwork for the meeting and is optimistic about achieving tangible results.

“It’s acknowledged that the Americans have undertaken considerable preparation for this meeting. They are hopeful it will be fruitful and pave the way for addressing a wide range of issues pertinent to conflict resolution and achieving a peaceful settlement,” he remarked.

He added that US representatives are already drafting plans poised for execution following a potential agreement.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that the UAE meeting is slated to last for two days, on January 23 and 24. Although he refrained from detailing the agenda, he disclosed the composition of Ukraine’s delegation. This includes Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Presidential Administration, his first deputy Sergiy Kyslytsya, National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, lawmaker David Arahammia, and Chief of the General Staff Andriy Hnatov.

Ushakov mentioned that the talks between the Kremlin and American officials were significantly aimed at understanding Washington's views following its recent interactions with Ukrainian and European leaders.

“The meeting involving the Russian president and American representatives was specifically geared towards gaining insights regarding the results of American engagements with Ukrainians and European partners, with a view to collaboratively outlining future actions,” he noted.

The US delegation also provided feedback on President Donald Trump’s recent meeting with Zelenskyy at Davos, Switzerland. Ushakov informed that the American officials had traveled directly from Davos to Moscow, after attending various events there, including discussions related to resolving the Ukrainian situation.

Simultaneously, Ushakov emphasized that Russia made its stance clear: a sustainable peace agreement cannot be achieved without addressing territorial disputes.

Both parties committed to maintaining close communication on Ukraine and other global matters. The discussions also covered Trump’s initiative to establish a “Board of Peace,” along with matters concerning Greenland.

Regarding the proposed Board of Peace, Ushakov reiterated Russia’s readiness to allocate $1 billion from assets previously frozen by the last US administration toward the funding of this new structure. He noted that additional frozen assets could aid in the reconstruction of areas impacted by conflict once peace is attained. Discussions around this topic will persist within the bilateral economic working group.

The White House announced the Board of Peace formation last week, complemented by the establishment of a National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, one of four entities designed to oversee the enclave’s transitional phase. As per the statements of world leaders invited to join the board, initial three years of membership are free, thereafter becoming available for a fee of $1 billion. Several nations, Belarus included, have confirmed their intention to join.

President Putin disclosed earlier this week that he tasked the Russian Foreign Ministry with examining the proposal.

As delegations head towards Abu Dhabi, these talks are under close scrutiny as they represent the first direct trilateral engagement involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States, serving as a pivotal point towards a broader diplomatic initiative to resolve the ongoing conflict.