The key facts
- On November 6, Putin thanked the UAE for its help in finding a solution to the Ukrainian crisis and on humanitarian issues
- A new round of talks in Abu Dhabi is scheduled for November 10 with US mediation; the Russian delegation will be led by Vladimir Medinsky
- Kyiv clarified that the Ukrainian delegation will be led by Rustem Umerov, not Kyrylo Budanov
Gratitude to Abu Dhabi
Russian President Vladimir Putin, at an operational meeting with permanent members of the Security Council on November 6, expressed gratitude to the leadership of the United Arab Emirates for their assistance in settling the Ukrainian conflict. “We are grateful to the leadership of the Emirates. They consistently help us in finding a solution to the Ukrainian crisis and help resolve humanitarian issues related to exchanges,” his words were quoted by Life.ru.
The upcoming round of talks
The next round of talks is scheduled for November 10 in Abu Dhabi and will be held at the level of negotiating delegations with US mediation. The Russian side will be led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky; the participants plan to discuss security issues, humanitarian measures, and possible steps toward a settlement. According to Life.ru, Abu Dhabi already hosted trilateral consultations in January and February 2026: following the February round, the parties agreed on a prisoner-of-war exchange, but key disagreements over the terms of a settlement remained.
Who will lead the Ukrainian delegation
The day before Kyiv refuted reports by American media about the head of the Ukrainian delegation: Zelensky's adviser Dmytro Lytvyn clarified that the negotiating group in Abu Dhabi will be led by Rustem Umerov, while Kyrylo Budanov will take part in the meeting but will not head the delegation. Budanov, the outlet notes, is included in Russia's list of terrorists and extremists.
