Ukraine, Russia, and US open high-level talks in Abu Dhabi

Trilateral negotiations involving Russia, Ukraine, and the US have commenced in Abu Dhabi, with Russia sending a higher-level delegation than in previous rounds, potentially signaling readiness for more substantive talks. The Russian delegation is led by Vladimir Medinsky and includes Deputy Foreign Ministers Sergei Ryabkov and Mikhail Galuzin, military intelligence chief Igor Kostyukov, and General Staff officer Yuri Zhigarlovsky. Ukraine's delegation is headed by Foreign Intelligence Service chief Rustem Umerov, with Kyrylo Budanov and David Arakhamia also participating. Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the negotiations with his Security Council on Friday, with all delegation members present. Ryabkov handles US and Iran relations, while Medinsky has been involved in Ukraine talks since 2022.