In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, representatives from the United States, Russia, and Ukraine are set to convene in Abu Dhabi on Friday for their first meeting in four years. This trilateral dialogue comes amid ongoing efforts to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine, even as fighting persists on the frontlines.
Russian media reports highlight the momentum building from recent high-level engagements. Just a day prior, President Vladimir Putin hosted a marathon four-hour session with a U.S. delegation including Steve Witkoff, America-Middle East envoy; Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Donald Trump; and Josh Gruenbaum, Federal Acquisition Service commissioner. Flanking Putin were key aides Yuri Ushakov and investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev.
Ushakov described the Moscow talks as ‘meaningful, constructive, and straightforward’ during a telephonic briefing with journalists. He announced that a tripartite working group on security would kick off proceedings in Abu Dhabi later that day. Leading the Russian side is Admiral Igor Kostyukov, head of GRU military intelligence, under direct instructions from Putin.
Beyond the main talks, Witkoff and Dmitriev are slated for separate discussions on Russia-U.S. trade matters. Ushakov reiterated Moscow’s stance: lasting peace between Russia and Kiev hinges on resolving regional issues. ‘We are keen on political and diplomatic solutions to the Ukrainian crisis,’ he stated. ‘But if not, Russia will pursue its objectives on the battlefield, where our forces hold the initiative.’
The developments follow President Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Aboard Air Force One, Trump expressed optimism about achieving peace, while acknowledging the thorny issue of borders between the warring nations.
This rare convergence of powers signals a potential thaw in one of the world’s most intractable conflicts. Stakeholders watch closely as diplomats navigate deep-seated grievances and strategic interests in the UAE’s neutral territory. Whether these talks yield concrete progress or merely serve as a starting point remains to be seen, but the mere fact of their occurrence marks a pivotal moment after years of stalemate.