Direct Russia–Ukraine Engagement in the UAE, Talks Focus on Possible Framework for Ending the War
Abu Dhabi — Russia and Ukraine held direct engagement during two days of talks concluded in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, no concrete agreements or joint statements were announced following the meeting that ended on Saturday. According to a UAE government spokesperson, the talks involved “direct engagement” between the two sides and were conducted in a “constructive and positive atmosphere.”
The meetings were attended by U.S. presidential envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Russia’s military intelligence chief Igor Kostyukov, head of the Ukrainian President’s Office Kyrylo Budanov, Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov, along with other senior officials from both the Russian and Ukrainian sides.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on the social media platform X that the negotiations involved military representatives from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States, and that the discussions focused on “the possible parameters for ending the war.”
Meanwhile, media reports suggest that further trilateral talks among Ukraine, Russia, and the United States are likely to be held in the UAE next week, as part of continued diplomatic efforts.
Despite the talks, fighting in Ukraine continued. Ukrainian officials said that during the period of the negotiations, Russian forces carried out large-scale drone and missile strikes on several regions, including Kyiv, highlighting the ongoing complexity of the situation.
The UAE has previously stated that the meetings were part of diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue and explore possible political solutions to the Ukraine crisis. On Friday, during a meeting with the heads of the participating delegations, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said that his country supports all efforts and initiatives aimed at resolving the Ukraine crisis for the benefit of all parties, and at promoting peace and stability worldwide.
