The first day of trilateral talks involving delegations from Russia, the US, and Ukraine has concluded in Abu Dhabi. According to sources, work on the first day lasted approximately four and a half hours. Observers note that there were no detailed comments from the parties following the day, and it is unlikely there will be any in the near future. This is characteristic of such contacts: public rhetoric at the start is usually restrained, and substantive assessments emerge as the agenda progresses.
Timing and Work Format
The delegations worked in an intensive format, focusing on key agenda items. According to reports from the Russian delegation, the first day was dedicated to building a common understanding on main areas and preparing the ground for more detailed work. The format involved joint efforts by representatives of the United States, Ukraine, and European partners, which underscores the multi-level nature of the contacts and their connection to the broader Euro-Atlantic context.
Position of the American Side
US Special Envoy Jared Kushner stated that over the past two months, disagreements between Moscow and Kyiv have been reduced. According to him, the American side communicated with both parties almost daily and, he believes, found several ideas to overcome remaining differences. At the same time, Kushner emphasized that the most difficult issues must ultimately be resolved by the heads of Russia and Ukraine. Another US special envoy, Steve Witkoff, reported that the delegations discussed European security guarantees after the end of the Ukrainian conflict and noted plans to involve other European countries in the discussion, whose representatives will also offer their proposals.
Kyiv's Reaction and Moscow's Expectations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the first day of talks in Abu Dhabi constructive. The Russian delegation, in turn, expressed hope that the meeting would help make progress in resolving accumulated issues. Judging by public statements, both sides are demonstrating cautious optimism without revealing details or providing detailed assessments of specific points.
What's Next: The Second Day and the Role of Leaders
There is another day of work ahead, during which the agenda is expected to be further developed. The American side places key emphasis on the fact that the final decision on the most complex issues remains with the heads of state. Thus, the first day in Abu Dhabi was a stage of preparation and alignment of positions, rather than a summing up. A comprehensive picture of the results of the entire cycle of negotiations will become clearer only after the second day concludes and possible statements are made by the leaders.
