Ukraine says Abu Dhabi peace talks to move into separate issue-specific groups

MOSCOW

US-mediated peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in the United Arab Emirates will continue in the format of working groups, the head of Ukraine’s National Defense and Security Council said Wednesday.

“A new round of negotiations has begun in Abu Dhabi. The negotiation process started in a trilateral format involving Ukraine, the US and Russia. Subsequently, work will proceed in separate groups on specific issues, followed by another joint synchronization of positions,” Rustem Umerov said on Telegram.

Umerov emphasized that the Ukrainian delegation works “within clear directives from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to achieve a worthy and lasting peace.”

“Each stage of the negotiations is reported to the head of state,” he said.

Umerov also disclosed the composition of the Ukrainian delegation, saying it includes Kyrylo Budanov, the former head of military intelligence who now serves as Zelenskyy's chief of staff, parliamentary majority leader Davyd Arakhamia, deputy chief of staff Sergiy Kyslytsya, and Andrii Hnatov, chief of the general staff of Ukraine's armed forces.

"On the American side, (US special envoy) Steve Witkoff and (US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law) Jared Kushner as well as (US Army Secretary) Daniel Driscoll and Gen. Alex Grinkevich participated in the consultations. The Russian side was represented at a high military level," he said.

Umerov described the work as "substantive and productive, with a focus on concrete steps and practical solutions."

Separately, the UAE’s Foreign Ministry expressed hope that the second round of talks between the US, Russia and Ukraine would lead to progress.

It also confirmed the UAE's commitment to supporting international efforts aimed at achieving comprehensive and sustainable political solutions, thus enhancing prospects for peace and stability regionally and globally.

Commenting on the talks, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said he held discussions with the Russian delegation on the security guarantees that NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte referenced during his address to the Ukrainian parliament in Kyiv.

"If that's what the Ukrainians have brought to Abu Dhabi, then it's further confirmation that Zelenskyy does not want peace," he said.

The day before, Rutte said that the armed forces of a "Coalition of the Willing" would appear in Ukraine on land, at sea and in the air immediately after a peace agreement is concluded with Russia, while other NATO members "will assist in other ways."

Lavrov accused Zelenskyy of thinking only of "his own survival" and thereby hindering peace efforts.

"Any peace would mean the end of his political career, and perhaps not only the political one," he said. "He thinks of nothing but his own survival."

He said that while talks on a settlement in Ukraine are continuing, the Europeans are attempting to reinterpret Washington's proposals.

Lavrov emphasized Russian President Vladimir Putin's statements that Russia is striving for a diplomatic settlement.

"We have never changed our principles, unlike many other participants in this political process. They, on the other hand, have tried to move the goalposts many times," he said.

In a separate statement, Zelenskyy said he heard a report from the Ukrainian delegation after today’s meetings held in the trilateral format.

"There were also contacts between the team and the American side. The report was delivered by Rustem Umerov, Kyrylo Budanov and David Arakhamia – the guys were in contact. We discussed the interim results of the negotiations for today. They will continue tomorrow," he wrote on Telegram.

Zelenskyy added that "there will also be a significant step,” saying the sides agreed to hold an exchange of war prisoners in the near future.

He added that the war "must be ended for real," urging partners to exercise pressure on Russia.