US, Ukraine, and Russia Set for Trilateral Security Talks in UAE

Officials from the United States, Ukraine, and Russia are scheduled to convene in the United Arab Emirates on Friday for the inaugural session of a trilateral working group focused on security issues. The Kremlin announced the development shortly after concluding extended talks in Moscow between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US special envoy Steve Witkoff. Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov described the overnight discussions as “useful in every respect” and confirmed that a Russian delegation led by GRU military intelligence chief General Igor Kostyukov would travel to Abu Dhabi imminently.

The meeting represents a notable escalation in diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing Ukraine conflict, which has persisted for nearly four years. While recent months have seen intensified back-channel negotiations, significant divisions persist—particularly regarding territorial arrangements in any post-war settlement. The trilateral format aims to address core security concerns, though specifics about the agenda and whether Russian and Ukrainian representatives will engage directly remain undisclosed.

Steve Witkoff, accompanied by other US team members including Jared Kushner, met with Putin at the Kremlin until the early hours of Friday. Following the session, the American delegation proceeded directly to Abu Dhabi to continue the dialogue. Ushakov emphasized Russia’s interest in achieving a political and diplomatic resolution, stating, “We are genuinely interested in resolving (the conflict) through political and diplomatic means.” He added, however, that until such an outcome is reached, Russian forces would continue advancing their objectives on the battlefield.

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On the Ukrainian side, President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated progress on Thursday, revealing that a draft agreement was “nearly, nearly ready.” He disclosed that he and US President Donald Trump had reached alignment on the critical matter of post-war security guarantees for Ukraine, suggesting momentum toward a potential framework.

The UAE has emerged as a key neutral venue for sensitive international discussions in recent years, hosting multiple rounds of talks related to the Ukraine crisis. The trilateral working group’s formation underscores growing involvement by the Trump administration in seeking an end to the war, building on earlier Moscow engagements.

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