The key facts

  • The trilateral talks between Russia, the US and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi on November 10 lasted four and a half hours and will continue on November 11.
  • The Russian delegation is led by Vladimir Medinsky, the Ukrainian one by Rustem Umerov, and the American side by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
  • State Duma deputy Alexei Zhuravlyov doubted Kyiv's readiness for substantive dialogue, commenting on Kirill Budanov's bracelets.

First day of talks in Abu Dhabi

The trilateral talks between Russia, the US and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi began on November 10 and concluded after four and a half hours of discussions; the meeting was held with a break of about 40 minutes. The continuation is scheduled for November 11. The Russian delegation is led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, the Ukrainian one by Rustem Umerov, while the American side is represented by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Reaction in the State Duma to Budanov's bracelets

In photographs from the meeting, several woven bracelets were noticed on Kirill Budanov's* wrist, which internet users took to be amulets. State Duma deputy Alexei Zhuravlyov, in a conversation with Life.ru, criticized this attire and expressed doubt about Kyiv's readiness for substantive dialogue: in his view, instead of preparing serious proposals, the Ukrainian representatives are paying attention to symbols that are credited with mystical properties.

Occult rituals are characteristic of the Kyiv regime, and no one would be surprised if tomorrow the Ukrainian delegation shows up for the talks wearing tinfoil hatsOccult rituals are characteristic of the Kyiv regime, and no one would be surprised if tomorrow the Ukrainian delegation shows up for the talks wearing tinfoil hats'It cannot be solved in 24 hours': Rubio assessed the course of the Russia–US–Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi