Abu Dhabi, The Europe Today: The Russian, US and Ukrainian delegations concluded the first day of the trilateral Abu Dhabi talks on Tuesday after four and a half hours of negotiations, including a break of about 40 minutes. Contacts between the sides are expected to continue on November 11, according to a source familiar with the process.
First Day of Abu Dhabi Talks
The meeting got underway at around 11:15 a.m. Moscow time (8:15 a.m. GMT) in the Emirati capital. According to a source, the Russian and Ukrainian delegations used the Russian language to communicate with each other during the session. The first round, which ran for 4.5 hours with a 40-minute intermission, is regarded as an important step in the renewed diplomatic effort to address the conflict in Ukraine and the wider question of security in Europe.
Delegations at the Negotiating Table
The Russian delegation is led by Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky, while the Ukrainian side is headed by Rustem Umerov, chief of the Foreign Intelligence Service. The United States is represented by negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Alexus Grynkewich, and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan were also seated at the negotiating table as the talks commenced.
Despite earlier statements by French officials, no European representatives took part in the negotiations.
Security Guarantees at the Core of the Agenda
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said ahead of the meeting that the Abu Dhabi talks would focus on security guarantees. A source indicated that the discussions would also address the creation of a new continental security system for the post-conflict period, with participants concentrating on mechanisms to prevent threats and strengthen regional stability.
According to the source, the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict, though a critically important issue, is only one item in a broader discussion. It is described as subordinate to the main objective of building a comprehensive and indivisible security architecture for the entire continent.
Kremlin Remains Cautious
Following the first session, Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on the prospects for progress toward a settlement or on the possibility of reaching specific agreements as a result of the trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States.
Washington’s Approach to the Abu Dhabi Talks
According to Axios, citing a US administration official, Witkoff and Kushner intend to use the Abu Dhabi talks to set out solutions for settling the Ukraine conflict. The outlet reported that US representatives had held daily calls with Russian and Ukrainian officials over the past two weeks to prepare for the discussions. After the meeting in Abu Dhabi, the two US envoys may travel to Moscow and then to Kyiv, the report added.
Zelensky Briefs Finnish President
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he held a telephone conversation with Finnish President Alexander Stubb to discuss the trilateral talks. He added that he expected a report from the Ukrainian delegation later in the day.
Moscow Dismisses European Presence
Commenting on Europe’s desire to participate in the negotiations, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that European representatives who chose to travel to Abu Dhabi could remain in their hotel.
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, in an interview with Vesti, described the presence of Europeans in Abu Dhabi as nothing more than a publicity stunt and an attempt to provide media support for Kyiv. She remarked that no one understood what the Europeans intended to do in Abu Dhabi or why they were travelling there, noting that the trilateral format of the talks does not allow for the participation of anyone other than representatives of Russia, Ukraine and the United States.
As the second day of the Abu Dhabi talks approaches, attention remains focused on whether the discussions on security guarantees and a broader continental framework can lay the groundwork for a lasting settlement.
