The key facts

  • Zelenskiy announced a meeting with Witkoff and Kushner in Dublin on Thursday
  • Talks in Abu Dhabi concerned a prisoner exchange and security guarantees
  • Zelenskiy called on the US to increase pressure on Russia

Meeting in Dublin after the envoys' visit to Russia

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Wednesday that he will meet with US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Dublin on Thursday — after the American representatives hold their planned talks in Russia.

What was discussed in Abu Dhabi

According to Zelenskiy, the talks in Abu Dhabi involving Ukrainian, American and Russian representatives focused on preparing a new prisoner exchange, security guarantees for Ukraine, and broader diplomatic formats involving European partners. “Next, the American representatives are heading to Russia, and after those talks we will again align our positions and determine what next steps are possible. We are meeting with them tomorrow in Dublin,” he said.

Kyiv's position

Zelenskiy reiterated that Ukraine's priority is to end the war “as soon as possible” through a dignified peace, emphasizing that Europe must be involved at every stage of the diplomatic process. He also called on Washington to maintain a firm stance and increase pressure on Moscow. “It is important that the United States has a strong position and that they influence the source of this war — that is, Russia — so that Russia ends the war it started itself,” the Ukrainian leader said.