Post by : Badri Ariffin

In a significant diplomatic development, Russian, Ukrainian, and United States officials are gearing up for their inaugural trilateral discussions in Abu Dhabi this Friday, aimed at tackling security concerns and seeking pathways to conclude the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The meeting was announced by Russian presidential advisor Yury Ushakov following extensive discussions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and an American delegation. Ushakov revealed that the decision to hold the talks in the UAE was made during these discussions, with a primary focus on security matters.

“It is confirmed that today, January 23, will see the first meeting of the trilateral security working group in Abu Dhabi, comprising representatives from Russia, the United States, and Ukraine,” said Ushakov during a press briefing.

The Russian team has been fully briefed by the president and will travel to the UAE shortly, led by Igor Kostyukov, who oversees the Main Directorate of the General Staff of Russia's Armed Forces.

The American delegation met with Putin and included special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, along with Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Josh Gruenbaum. Russia’s representatives included Kirill Dmitriev, the presidential envoy for investment and economic cooperation, and Ushakov.

In a concurrent bilateral meeting in Abu Dhabi, Dmitriev and Witkoff will discuss economic issues, highlighting that both nations are considering the broader economic implications that could arise following any resolution.

Ushakov commended the U.S. for facilitating the discussions, stating that they have made significant efforts to ensure the meeting is fruitful.

“It is important to recognize the substantial preparations made by the Americans for this meeting. They are optimistic about achieving positive outcomes that can pave the way for addressing the entire spectrum of issues related to the conflict and its peaceful resolution,” he commented.

Moreover, he noted that U.S. representatives are already developing action plans that could be implemented post-settlement.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that the UAE talks will span two days, specifically January 23 and 24. Although detailed topics were not discussed, the composition of Ukraine’s delegation was revealed, which will include key figures like Kyrylo Budanov and Sergey Kyslytsya.

Ushakov mentioned that discussions at the Kremlin with the U.S. delegation largely revolved around the assessment of recent U.S. interactions with Ukrainian and European officials.

“The meeting aimed to gather insights regarding the outcomes of U.S. engagements with Ukrainian and European allies while jointly setting the course for future actions,” he elaborated.

The U.S. team also provided perspectives on President Donald Trump’s recent meeting with Zelenskyy in Davos, Switzerland. Ushakov highlighted that the American representatives had traveled directly from those discussions.

Despite these talks, Ushakov maintained that Russia's stance is clear: lasting peace cannot be achieved without addressing territorial disputes.

Both countries agreed to continue their dialogues concerning Ukraine and other global matters. Additional topics addressed in the Kremlin included Trump’s proposal for a “Board of Peace” and issues surrounding Greenland.

On the suggested Board of Peace, Ushakov reiterated Russia’s commitment to allocate $1 billion from previously frozen Russian assets to aid the initiative. He noted that discussions will extend into the bilateral economic working group concerning further use of frozen funds for rebuilding post-conflict territories.

Recently, the White House announced the establishment of the Board of Peace, alongside forming a National Committee for Gaza’s transitional administration. Leaders invited to join the board have indicated that initial membership will be complimentary for three years, after which a $1 billion fee would be required. Several nations, including Belarus, have already accepted the invitation.

Earlier this week, President Putin instructed the Russian Foreign Ministry to evaluate the proposal.

As delegates make their way to Abu Dhabi, these discussions are being closely monitored, marking a pivotal moment in direct trilateral relations among Russia, Ukraine, and the United States, and setting the stage for a broader diplomatic initiative aimed at resolving the conflict.

#Global News