Russia updates Abu Dhabi delegation, signaling Kremlin's negotiation stance

Russia has updated its delegation for trilateral talks with Ukraine and the US in Abu Dhabi, a move analysts say reveals Kremlin intentions. The new roster includes officials previously involved in stalling negotiations. The delegation includes presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, GRU chief Admiral Igor Kostyukov, aide Yuri Ushakov, and deputy foreign ministers Mikhail Galusin and Sergei Ryabkov. Analysts note Kostyukov led early rounds, while Medinsky previously delayed talks by discussing "historical roots" of the war, and Ushakov has voiced maximalist demands for unilateral Ukrainian concessions. Ryabkov's inclusion is notable for his history of issuing ultimatums to NATO and promoting alleged US agreements. The Institute for the Study of War says this composition shows Moscow remains uninterested in good-faith negotiations, potentially using Ryabkov to undermine Ukraine's security guarantee efforts.