Russian, Ukrainian and U.S. delegations opened U.S.-mediated talks in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, renewing efforts toward a political settlement as Ukraine and European partners sought credible security guarantees.
UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the opening, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said. The ministry described the meeting as the third round hosted in Abu Dhabi, following rounds announced Jan. 23 and Feb. 4.
The UAE said its partnerships with the United States, Russia and Ukraine help it provide a venue for dialogue. MoFA said the country was supporting U.S. efforts to reach a political settlement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said a separate meeting with European representatives had also taken place. A joint statement by the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, the United States and NATO said that meeting addressed guarantees for Ukraine and broader European security arrangements.
The participants called for any future arrangement to protect Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and freedom to make its own decisions, and to provide credible security guarantees. Zelenskyy said Ukraine and its partners were working toward de-escalation and guarantees. “It is essential that Russia take the same approach,” he said.
The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine (FISU) said the first day had ended and talks would resume in Abu Dhabi on Nov. 11, Interfax-Ukraine reported after speaking with the service.
