Ukrainian delegation in Abu Dhabi met with European countries

A ukrainian negotiating team met in Abu Dhabi with representatives from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, NATO and the European Commission before the start of the first round of direct contacts between Ukrainians, Russians and Americans.

The information on the meetings established by the Ukrainian delegation was released by the head of the Kiev negotiating team, Rustem Umerov, through social networks.

The meeting also included American mediators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, explained Umerov.

“We align positions and coordinate the next steps before the negotiation round,” wrote Umerov, who, besides usually representing Ukraine, is the head of Kiev’s external intelligence service.

Russia did not accept direct participation in the preliminary meeting promoted by the Ukrainian delegation.

Umerov explained that the Ukrainian delegation has the presence of the chief of staff of the Presidency, Kirilo Budanov, David Arakhamia, the diplomat and adviser to the Presidency Serhiy Kyslytsya, and the deputy chief of military intelligence services, Vadym Skibitsky.

“ Our main priorities are a ceasefire, reliable security guarantees for post-war, economic reconstruction and development of Ukraine, as well as humanitarian measures,” said Umerov.

So far, meetings of this kind — involving Ukrainians, Russians and Americans — have not resulted in concrete agreements, except commitments for the exchange of prisoners of war, as well as the surrender of the bodies of soldiers.

Meanwhile, while contacts are taking place in the United Arab Emirates, Ukrainian Head of State Volodymyr Zelensky is in Denmark to discuss issues relating to air defence and energy security with the Nordic countries.