Ukraine, Russia, and US open trilateral talks in UAE

Trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States have begun in the United Arab Emirates, with the Ukrainian delegation led by Rustem Umerov and Kyrylo Budanov. The discussions focus on ceasing hostilities and seeking paths to peace. The Ukrainian team includes David Arakhamia, Serhiy Kyslytsia, and Vadym Skibitsky, while NATO is represented by Chief of Staff Jeffrey Van Leeuwen. Russia's delegation features Vladimir Medinsky, Igor Kostyukov, Yuri Ushakov, and deputy foreign ministers Mikhail Galuzin and Sergey Ryabkov. Prior to the talks, Ukraine coordinated with European partners and US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The Institute for the Study of War noted Ryabkov's first participation, suggesting Moscow may not be genuinely interested in good-faith negotiations.