Ukraine Representative Arakhamiia: Low Expectations for Initial Abu Dhabi Talks
Ukrainian officials view the first round of trilateral negotiations as a procedural step, with higher hopes placed on the subsequent session.
By Aiko Soto ·
Davyd Arakhamiia, leader of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction and a Ukrainian representative in the upcoming peace talks, told DW that he does not expect a breakthrough at the first meeting with Russian and US representatives in Abu Dhabi.
Arakhamiia explained that a long pause in negotiations makes the resumption of trilateral discussions an achievement in itself. "I don't think so [a breakthrough should not be expected]. I'll tell you why: there was a big break for the negotiations. So internally we know that renewing trilateral talks is an achievement by itself," he stated. "So that's why the first talks, we have minimal expectations. But the second round, we have expectations."
The Ukrainian delegation will convene in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11. The group includes Rustem Umierov, Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service; Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the President's Office; Serhii Kyslytsia, First Deputy Head of the President's Office; and Vadym Skibitskyi, Deputy Head of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine.
Prior to the main trilateral session, US special envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff will hold a separate meeting with European representatives. Arakhamiia noted that the United States has not chosen a side and is attempting to remain as "symmetrical" as possible in the process.
European officials will attend the talks at the security adviser level. Participants include representatives from the European Commission, the European Council, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. The chief of staff for the NATO secretary general is also scheduled to be present.
The schedule places the US-Russia-Ukraine dialogue immediately following the preliminary European meeting. No further dates have been announced for subsequent rounds of negotiations.
