Zelenskyy Sends Delegation to Abu Dhabi for Talks with US and Russia, Focusing on Donbas

US-Russia-Ukraine Talks to Commence in Abu Dhabi

According to Главком: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has formally approved the composition of his nation's delegation for three-way talks with the United States and Russia, set to take place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The technical-level negotiations are scheduled to begin today. A primary focus of the discussions will be the ongoing situation in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine.

Members of the Ukrainian Delegation

The delegation's makeup was announced in accordance with Presidential Decree No. 72/2026. The Ukrainian negotiating team includes several high-ranking officials, specifically:

• Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, who will lead the delegation;
• Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine;
• David Arakhamia, a People's Deputy of Ukraine;
• Oleksandr Bevz, an Advisor to the Cabinet of the President of Ukraine;
• Andrii Hnatov, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine;
• Oleh Ivashchenko, Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine;
• and other representatives.

The Russian negotiating group is also prepared to participate in the Abu Dhabi meetings, with its delegation formed and its representatives having received instructions from Vladimir Putin. The Donbas issue is central to the talks' agenda, a point underscored by President Zelenskyy, who stated,

“the question of Donbas is key.”

These talks represent a significant step in the process of seeking a peaceful resolution to the conflict in eastern Ukraine, which has persisted for several years. The involvement of the United States as a mediator reflects ongoing international efforts to reinvigorate dialogue and explore potential solutions for the region. The outcome of these discussions could have substantial implications for the future of Ukraine-Russia relations, broader Western engagement, and the overall security landscape in Europe.