The last-minute trilateral meeting between US, Ukrainian and Russian officials marks a first since Russia’s full-scale invasion, now nearing its four-year mark.
The talks are meant to test the waters face-to-face, with each side laying out what it considers acceptable terms to end one of Europe’s bloodiest wars since WWII.
A day before the meeting, Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, said negotiations were entering the “final stage,” with territorial issues presumed to be the remaining hurdle: Russia wants full recognition of Donbas, while Ukraine says no decision is possible without a referendum.
According to Moscow, Friday’s Abu Dhabi talks might lead to a second round if things go smoothly.
Moscow also hinted that Friday’s talks are military in nature, sending Admiral Igor Kostyukov, its chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff, to head the delegation.
Meanwhile, Kyiv is sending National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov – a veteran negotiator in talks with Moscow – alongside Presidential Office head and former intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov, negotiator David Arakhamia, and Chief of the General Staff Andriy Hnatov – among others.