Abu Dhabi Trilateral Talks Nearing: Putin Convenes Core Russian Team for Deliberation
On November 6, President Vladimir Putin confirmed at a meeting of the Russian Federation Security Council’s permanent committee that trilateral talks among Russia, the United States, and Ukraine on the Ukrainian issue would commence on November 10 in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, lasting two days. “Given that the negotiations are scheduled for next Tuesday, I have invited my colleagues who will participate to discuss relevant matters briefly,” Putin said. He expressed appreciation to the UAE leadership for their efforts in advancing a resolution to the crisis in Ukraine.
The attendees of this meeting include not only members of the Security Council’s permanent committee but also Russian delegation members set to travel to Abu Dhabi: presidential envoys, head of the Russian negotiating team Muzhinskiy, presidential aide Ushakov, Deputy Foreign Ministers Galuzin and Ryabkov, Director of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Kostyukov, and Deputy Chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the General Staff Dzharalovsky.
On November 7, Kremlin press secretary Peskov disclosed the composition of the delegation. Among them, Ryabkov, responsible for relations with the United States and arms control affairs, is attending these negotiations for the first time. Muzhinskiy, Galuzin, and Kostyukov had previously participated in multiple rounds of talks. Bloomberg noted that the expansion of the delegation may signal Moscow’s willingness to engage in more substantive discussions on political and military issues.
Regarding the agenda, U.S. special envoy Witkoff stated on November 2 that the United States would mediate working-level talks between Ukraine and Russia in Abu Dhabi from October 10 to 11, focusing on postwar security arrangements, de-escalation measures, humanitarian operations, and subsequent steps toward peace. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha outlined Kyiv’s priority issues in Warsaw on November 6: security guarantees, de-escalation in the Black Sea region, an energy ceasefire, repatriation of Ukrainian children, and prisoner exchanges. He also emphasized that no decision on Ukraine can be made without Ukraine’s participation, and no decision on European security can be made without Europe’s involvement. The Ukrainian delegation is led by the head of foreign intelligence, Umeyrov, and includes Presidential Administration chief BudaNov and leader of the president’s parliamentary faction, Alahamia.
This marks the first trilateral meeting between Russia, the United States, and Ukraine since February this year. In January and February 2026, the three parties held three rounds of talks in Abu Dhabi and Geneva before the process was postponed following U.S.-Israel military action against Iran. This round remains in the trilateral format; Peskov explicitly stated on November 3 that Europe would not take part.
Expectations remain low across all sides. BudaNov told CBS News that breakthroughs were not anticipated, stressing that this is neither a final negotiation nor a decisive one. However, the mere fact that Ukraine and Russia have agreed to face-to-face talks after months of absence constitutes progress. Russian International Affairs Council Chairman Trelin described the event as “consultations rather than negotiations,” emphasizing that the discussions will focus on technical matters and do not involve territorial or regime-related issues.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1881266367823936/
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