Historic Trilateral Talks Begin in Abu Dhabi: U.S., Russia, and Ukraine Meet for the First Time in Four Years

Trilateral talks between the United States, Russia, and Ukraine have commenced in Abu Dhabi, marking the first time in four years that representatives from all three nations are meeting together. The discussions, which will continue tomorrow, aim to explore potential terms for a ceasefire in Ukraine.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Friday that the talks began in Abu Dhabi and are scheduled to continue over two days. According to the statement, the discussions are part of ongoing efforts to promote dialogue and seek a political resolution to the crisis.

UAE’s Perspective

UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed hope that the meetings would bring the international community closer to resolving the Ukrainian crisis. Earlier in the day, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed that Russia and the U.S. had agreed to hold the first session of a trilateral working group focused on security issues, with participation from representatives of all three countries in Abu Dhabi.

High-Level Meetings Ahead of the Talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with U.S. special envoys on Thursday, including Middle East envoy Steve Whitcraft, former U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Josh Gruenbaum. The meeting lasted nearly four hours and also included Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov and investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev. Ushakov later described the talks as “meaningful, constructive, and very clear.”

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Donald Trump during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. After the meeting, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he hopes the discussions will pave the way for peace between Russia and Ukraine, while also acknowledging the complex issues surrounding their borders.

The Abu Dhabi talks signal a significant diplomatic effort to address one of the world’s most enduring conflicts and could set the stage for renewed negotiations on peace and security in the region.