Russia, Ukraine conclude talks in UAE with no concrete agreements announced

ABU DHABI -- Russia and Ukraine held "direct engagement" during the talks concluded Saturday in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), even though no concrete agreements or joint statements were announced following the two-day meetings.

A UAE government spokesperson said that the talks included "direct engagement" between the two sides and were conducted in a "constructive and positive atmosphere."

The meetings were attended by US presidential envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Russia's military intelligence chief Igor Kostyukov, Kyrylo Budanov, chief of the Ukrainian President's Office, Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, as well as other senior officials from both the Russian and Ukrainian sides.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on social media platform X that the negotiations involved military representatives from Russia, Ukraine and the United States, with a focus on "the possible parameters for ending the war."

Meanwhile, according to media reports, further trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia and the United States are likely to be held in the UAE next week.

The trilateral talks took place amid continued fighting in Ukraine. Ukrainian officials said Russian forces carried out large-scale drone and missile strikes on several regions, including Kyiv, during the period of the talks.

According to earlier statements by the UAE, the meeting was part of diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue and explore possible political solutions to the Ukraine crisis.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, during a meeting with the heads of the participating delegations on Friday, said that the country supports all efforts and initiatives aimed at reaching a settlement of the Ukraine crisis for the benefit of all parties, and at promoting peace and stability worldwide.