Ukrainian delegation reveals details of first day of talks in Abu Dhabi
Photo: RNBO Secretary of Ukraine Rustem Umerov (Getty Images)
Today, January 23, during a trilateral meeting, Ukraine, the US, and Russia discussed the parameters for ending the war and the next steps in the negotiation process. Talks are set to continue tomorrow, according to a statement from National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (RNBO) Secretary Rustem Umerov on Telegram.
"In Abu Dhabi, together with Kyrylo Budanov, Davyd Arakhamia, and Sergiy Kyslytsya, we took part in a trilateral meeting — Ukrainian, American, and Russian sides. We appreciate the US mediation," Umerov said in his statement.
He added that on January 24, Chief of the General Staff General Andrii Hnatov and Deputy Chief of the Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense, Lieutenant General Vadym Skibitskyi, will join the Ukrainian delegation.
"On the US side, the consultations involved Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Josh Gruenbaum, General Daniel Driscoll, and General Alexus Grynkewich. The Russian delegation included representatives of military intelligence and the army," the RNBO secretary said.
He emphasized that he reports to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after each stage of the talks.
"The Ukrainian team acts in a coordinated manner within the tasks set by President Zelenskyy. We are ready to work in various formats depending on the progress of the dialogue," Umerov added.
Negotiations in Abu Dhabi
Zelenskyy stated the key issue at the Abu Dhabi meeting would be territorial, concerning the Donbas.
Before the talks, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Ukrainian forces must leave Donbas, calling it an "important condition for the Russian side."
Today, January 23, Zelenskyy approved the composition of the Ukrainian delegation for the trilateral negotiations in Abu Dhabi. The Ukrainian negotiating team is headed by RNBO Secretary Rustem Umerov.
In addition, Zelenskyy held consultations with the Ukrainian delegation in the UAE ahead of the trilateral talks with the US and the aggressor country. He later announced that the first discussion among the participants had already taken place.
Read more about the first trilateral meeting between Ukraine, the US, and Russia, as well as the events leading up to it, in the RBC-Ukraine report.
