Umerov, who also leads the Ukrainian delegation at the talks, made the corresponding statement via Telegram. He described the negotiations as focused on “moving towards a dignified and lasting peace.”
“Together with [former President’s Office head] Kyrylo Budanov, [ruling party chair] David Arakhamia, and [deputy Foreign Minister] Serhiy Kyslytsya, we took part in a trilateral meeting — Ukrainian, American and Russian delegations; we appreciate the U.S. mediation,” said Umerov.
On the U.S. side, participants included Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, White House staffer Josh Gruenbaum, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, and SACEUR Gen. Alex Hrynkevich. Russia’s delegation included military intelligence and armed forces officials.
The NSDC secretary also announced that on Saturday Ukraine’s delegation would be joined by Chief of the General Staff Gen. Andrii Hnatov and Deputy Head of Defense Intelligence (HUR) Lt. Gen. Vadym Skibitsky.
“After each stage, we report to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy,” Umerov added.
“The Ukrainian team is acting in concert on the tasks set by the president. We are ready to work in different formats depending on how the dialogue unfolds.”
In a late-evening video address, Zelenskyy said he welcomed the initial meetings in Abu Dhabi, calling them an important step given that this format has not been used in a long time.
“Delegations are discussing the parameters for ending the war,” he said, but added that it is too early to draw conclusions.
A senior White House official told reporters in Kyiv that the trilateral meeting in the UAE was “productive.”