The key facts

  • Sybiha: Abu Dhabi talks will cover security, trust and the agenda of a possible Zelensky-Putin meeting
  • Peskov confirmed the Russian delegation's participation; Medinsky named as chief negotiator
  • US special envoy Witkoff earlier reported the talks in Abu Dhabi

What will be agreed in Abu Dhabi

At the upcoming trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States in Abu Dhabi, the parties will discuss a possible meeting between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky. This was stated by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, reports Gazeta.Ru citing the Ukrainian foreign ministry. “In the coming days we expect talks in Abu Dhabi. We will focus on security issues, confidence-building measures and the possible agenda of a potential Zelensky-Putin meeting,” Sybiha informed.

Who will represent Russia

On November 3, US presidential special envoy Steve Witkoff announced that Russia and Ukraine, with US mediation, would hold talks in Abu Dhabi. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmedthat the Russian delegation would take part in the meeting; according to him, presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky will remain Russia's chief negotiator. Thus, even at the preparation stage, the meeting's agenda includes not only technical issues but also the organization of a summit of heads of state — however, the Putin-Zelensky meeting itself still remains only a subject of discussion, not an agreed decision. Earlier, the US ambassador to NATO commented on Europe's participation in the talks on Ukraine.