At first glance, the trilateral working group meeting in Abu Dhabi on Friday, January 23, would be a significant event. It would be the first time that Russians, Ukrainians and Americans will be in the same room. But it is still unclear what will be discussed and at what level, and whether it will happen at all, writes Sky News.
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This format of talks was first mentioned by US envoy Steve Witkoff at an event in Davos. He said that he and Jared Kushner would travel to the UAE directly from Moscow to meet with working groups from both sides on specific aspects of the peace plan, “including military issues,” the article says.
President Zelensky then mentioned the talks in his speech. He said they would be at a “technical level.” But Kyiv later announced that it would send its leading team, including chief negotiator Rustem Umerov, as well as Zelensky’s chief of staff, Kyrylo Budanov.
The presence of such high-ranking figures could indicate that the meeting has taken on more significance than initially planned. Perhaps something changed during the day, probably at Zelensky’s meeting with Trump. On the other hand, it could simply be a signal from Kyiv — an attempt to show the White House how willing Ukraine is to reach a settlement.
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On the evening of January 22, the Kremlin confirmed its participation in the first-ever trilateral peace talks between the United States, Ukraine, and Russia, which will take place today in Abu Dhabi, Sky News reports.
However, Putin doesn't like to be bullied. He never responds to the demands of others. Everything is on his terms.
“So don't expect any confirmation or other statements from the Kremlin until his meeting with Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner,” the publication's journalist notes. “I think the Russians will show up in Abu Dhabi, but it might not be their best team.”
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It was reported that after meeting with Zelensky, Trump conveyed a message to Putin that the war must end.