Russia sends higher-level delegation to US-mediated talks with Ukraine in Abu Dhabi

Russia is sending a higher-level delegation to US-mediated talks with Ukraine in Abu Dhabi next week, signaling potential openness to more substantive negotiations after months of diplomatic deadlock, according to Bloomberg. The Russian delegation includes Deputy Foreign Ministers Sergei Ryabkov and Mikhail Galuzin, military intelligence chief Igor Kostyukov, and senior General Staff officer Yuri Zhigarlovsky, led by Putin aide Vladimir Medinsky. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the composition on Saturday. The talks, beginning Tuesday, mark the first such meeting in months. Putin discussed preparations with his Security Council on Friday and agreed to resume trilateral negotiations after meeting US envoy Steve Witkoff in October. Ukraine's delegation will be led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.