The key facts

  • Russia-Ukraine-US talks in Abu Dhabi are scheduled for November 10 and 11
  • The Russian delegation will be led by Vladimir Medinsky, the Ukrainian one by Kyrylo Budanov
  • Margus Tsahkna: the best outcome is a ceasefire, but it is unlikely

Format and participants of the meeting

Talks between representatives of Russia and Ukraine, mediated by the United States, will take place in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11. The Russian delegation is to be led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, and the Ukrainian one by head of Zelensky's office Kyrylo Budanov (listed as a terrorist and extremist). This is reported by Gazeta.Ru citing earlier publications about the plans for the meeting and confirmation from the European Commission about the visit of EU representatives to Abu Dhabi.

What is being discussed and Tallinn's assessment

The meeting will be the first in a trilateral format after a break of almost nine months. The parties intend to discuss conditions for a ceasefire, security guarantees and humanitarian issues. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, quoted by ERR, said that the talks 'cannot lead to any European peace settlement,' and that the best outcome would be a ceasefire, 'that is, for the weapons to fall silent,' after which further discussions would be possible. In his assessment, such a scenario is unlikely to be realized.