Russia, Ukraine, US to hold trilateral security talks in Abu Dhabi on Friday

Russian, Ukrainian, and US negotiators will hold their first trilateral security talks in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Friday, according to Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov. The meeting was agreed upon during talks in Moscow between a US delegation—including special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner—and Russian officials, including presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriyev and Ushakov. Igor Kostyukov, head of the Russian General Staff’s Main Directorate, will lead Moscow’s delegation in Abu Dhabi.

Context and Scope of the Talks

Ushakov stated the US side “has done a lot” to prepare the meeting and is already drafting plans for implementation after a potential settlement of the Ukraine conflict. The talks in Moscow also covered outcomes of recent US contacts with Ukrainian and European officials, including President Donald Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Davos. Ushakov emphasized Russia’s position that without resolving territorial issues, “it is impossible to count on a long-term settlement in Ukraine.”

Parallel Bilateral Meeting on Economic Issues

In addition to the trilateral security dialogue, a separate bilateral meeting on economic matters between Dmitriyev and Witkoff is scheduled in Abu Dhabi. This indicates that discussions may extend beyond immediate security concerns to post-conflict reconstruction and economic cooperation, should a diplomatic breakthrough occur.

Broader Diplomatic Engagement

The Kremlin meeting also addressed Trump’s initiative to form a “Board of Peace” and the situation surrounding Greenland, reflecting the wide-ranging agenda between Washington and Moscow despite ongoing tensions. Both sides agreed to maintain close contact on Ukraine and other issues moving forward. The trilateral format marks a significant, though cautious, step toward direct dialogue involving Kyiv, despite fundamental disagreements over territory and sovereignty.

Implications for the Ukraine Conflict

The Abu Dhabi talks represent a notable, if initial, diplomatic opening at a time when battlefield dynamics have largely stalemated. While expectations remain low given entrenched positions, the mere convening of three-party negotiations signals a shared willingness to explore off-ramps. The involvement of the UAE as host underscores its growing role as a neutral mediator in complex geopolitical conflicts.