Zorin’s involvement, who presently occupies the role of First Deputy Chief of Information within the GRU, wasn’t formally announced, however, the media recognized him through a photograph.
Alexander Zorin / © screenshot from the video
During the tripartite discussions in the UAE, where representations from the US, Ukraine, and Russia deliberated on strategies to conclude the conflict, the Kremlin introduced an unconventional “diplomat”: Moscow’s interests were advocated by GRU operative Alexander Zorin. This intelligence officer previously gained notoriety for enlisting Syrian fighters into the ranks of the Wagner PMC.
This is according to the Agency.
Igor Kostyukov, the Chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, will head the Russian representatives at the assembly, as stated by Yuri Ushakov, an advisor to the illegitimate Russian president. He mentioned that the group also comprises individuals from the leadership of the Defense Ministry.
While the presence of Zorin, currently serving as First Deputy Chief of Information for the GRU, wasn’t publicly communicated, the publication identified him through photographs. Correspondents pointed out that in May 2022, he already participated in discussions concerning the capitulation of Ukrainian military personnel encircled at the Azovstal plant in occupied Mariupol, and in May 2025, he was among the members of the Russian delegation in Istanbul.
Foreign Policy indicated, citing Syrian rebels, that in 2016, Zorin oversaw the recruitment of Syrians for engagement in the Libyan war. The mercenaries were given misleading information regarding their duties and compensation, the authors of the piece assert.
As a reminder, on January 24, the initial tripartite negotiations, including delegations from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States, were finalized in the UAE. The subsequent session might occur as early as the upcoming week.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy formally addressed the conclusion of the discussions.
Source: tsn.ua