First conversation between Ukraine, US, and Russia teams already held in Abu Dhabi, Zelenskyy says
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Getty Images)
On January 23, diplomatic teams from Ukraine, the United States, and Russia are meeting in Abu Dhabi. The first conversation between them has already taken place, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"Ukrainian representatives are reporting to me almost hourly - they are currently in the Emirates, where Ukrainian, American, and Russian delegations are gathered, and a conversation has already taken place. This is important because there have not been such trilateral meetings for a long time," the President said.
He emphasized that representatives of the three countries are discussing the parameters for ending the war in Ukraine. Zelenskyy noted that the negotiators "must receive at least some answers from Russia," adding that Moscow must be ready "to end the war it started".
"Ukraine’s positions are clear. I have defined the framework for dialogue for our delegation. The delegation is constantly in touch—Rustem Umerov, Kyrylo Budanov, David Arakhamia, Sergiy Kyslytsya. Tomorrow, General Hnatov, the Chief of the General Staff, and HRU representative Skibitskyi will also join the talks," the Ukrainian leader said.
Zelenskyy stressed that it is too early to draw conclusions about the content of the negotiations. At the same time, he highlighted the importance of the desire to end the war not only for Ukraine but also for Russia.
Talks in Abu Dhabi
According to Zelenskyy, the key issue at the Abu Dhabi meeting will be territorial, regarding Donbas.
Russia has stated that no peace should be expected in Ukraine without resolving territorial issues. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Ukrainian forces must leave Donbas, calling it an important condition for the Russian side.
On January 23, Zelenskyy approved the composition of the Ukrainian delegation for the trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi. The Ukrainian negotiation group is headed by the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, Rustem Umerov.
In addition, Zelenskyy held consultations with the Ukrainian delegation in the UAE ahead of the trilateral talks with the US and Russia.
For more details on the first Ukraine-US-Russia trilateral meeting, read the material by RBC-Ukraine.
