Post by : Bianca
Haleem
Officials from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States are poised to engage in their inaugural trilateral discussions in Abu Dhabi this Friday. This meeting indicates a renewed effort to tackle security issues and investigate pathways to potentially resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The announcement was made by Russian presidential adviser Yury Ushakov in Moscow, following an extensive meeting lasting nearly four hours between Russian President Vladimir Putin and a visiting US delegation. Ushakov noted that this significant diplomatic gathering would primarily address security matters.
“It has been agreed that the inaugural meeting of the trilateral working group focused on security concerns will be held in Abu Dhabi today, January 23. Delegates from Russia, the US, and Ukraine will be part of this group,” Ushakov revealed to journalists.
The Russian contingent, already organized and equipped with direct presidential directives, will be led by Igor Kostyukov, head of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of Russia’s Armed Forces, and will depart for the UAE imminently.
The American representatives engaged in talks with Putin at the Kremlin included special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, alongside Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Josh Gruenbaum. The Russian side positioned at the Kremlin involved Kirill Dmitriev, the presidential envoy for investment and economic cooperation, along with Ushakov.
In addition to the trilateral discussions, a separate bilateral talk on economic matters is planned between Dmitriev and Witkoff, highlighting a commitment from both parties to focus on security and the larger economic context that could arise from any future resolution.
Ushakov commended the United States for its role in facilitating the talks, expressing that they “prepared the groundwork extensively” and are now optimistic about achieving constructive outcomes from the meeting.
“It must be acknowledged that the Americans have done significant work to prepare for this meeting. We are hopeful it will yield success and pave the way for future engagements on various issues regarding conflict resolution and peaceful settlements,” he remarked.
He further noted that US representatives are already drafting plans that could be activated once a settlement is achieved.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the meeting would take place over two days, January 23 and 24. While specifics on the agenda were not disclosed, Zelenskyy named the members of Ukraine’s delegation, which will include Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Presidential Administration, along with his first deputy, National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, lawmaker David Arahammia, and Chief of the General Staff Andriy Hnatov.
Ushakov emphasized that the Kremlin discussions with the US delegation primarily revolved around understanding Washington’s evaluations of its recent engagements with Ukrainian and European officials.
“The meeting between the Russian President and American representatives aimed to gather insights regarding the outcomes of American interactions with Ukrainian and European partners and to collaboratively define next steps going forward,” he stated.
The US team also shared its perspectives on President Donald Trump’s recent discussions with Zelenskyy at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Ushakov pointed out that the American officials arrived in Moscow directly from these events, where they participated in dialogues regarding the Ukrainian situation.
Additionally, Ushakov reiterated Russia’s stance: resolving territorial disputes is essential for a sustainable peace agreement.
Both parties agreed to keep communication channels open regarding Ukraine and other international topics. The Kremlin meeting also addressed Trump’s proposal for the establishment of a “Board of Peace” and discussed the geopolitical situation surrounding Greenland.
Ushakov affirmed Russia's willingness to allocate $1 billion from frozen Russian assets to fund the Board of Peace if it proceeds. He indicated that additional frozen funds could be designated for the reconstruction of war-affected areas once a ceasefire is established. Ongoing discussions will continue within the bilateral economic framework.
The White House unveiled the formation of the Board of Peace last week, accompanied by the establishment of a National Committee to manage Gaza during its transitional period. According to world leaders invited to join the board, initial membership is complimentary for the first three years, thereafter costing $1 billion. Several nations, including Belarus, have already expressed acceptance of the invitation.
Earlier this week, President Putin tasked the Russian Foreign Ministry with examining this proposal.
With delegations en route to Abu Dhabi, these talks are being closely monitored as they represent the first direct trilateral dialogue involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States and signify a potential step towards a broader diplomatic initiative to conclude the ongoing conflict.
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