Kyrylo Budanov to Join Ukraine's Delegation at Abu Dhabi Talks with Russia

Kyrylo Budanov will lead Ukraine's delegation at trilateral talks with the US and Russia in Abu Dhabi next week, according to a CBS News report, though he does not expect a significant breakthrough. Budanov told CBS he will head the Ukrainian team, as he did during initial discussions in February. He stated the mere fact that Russian and Ukrainian delegations agreed to meet face-to-face signals some progress, while cautioning these talks are not final and focus on readiness to end the war. CBS noted Budanov's deep military experience in the conflict since 2014 may help address technical aspects of a ceasefire. However, presidential adviser Dmytro Lytvyn later refuted the report, saying Budanov will attend but not lead the delegation.