US-Ukraine-Russia talks in Abu Dhabi. Witkoff: They have been constructive and will continue

Trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi between the US, Ukrainian and Russian delegations were constructive and will continue in the coming weeks, said US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff. He confirmed that the talks would result in an exchange of prisoners and the resumption of US-Russian military contacts.

As Witkoff announced in a message posted on the X platform, the second round of trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi, which ended on Thursday, was “constructive and focused on creating conditions for lasting peace.”

Among the “open issues” discussed, he mentioned methods of implementing the ceasefire and monitoring it.

Witkoff confirmed that the talks resulted in an agreement between Moscow and Kiev on the release of 157 prisoners each and the resumption of contacts at the military level between the US and Russia. The main role on the American side is to be taken by the commander of US forces in Europe, General Alexus Grynkewich.

“This channel of communication was suspended before the outbreak of the conflict and is critical to achieving and maintaining peace,” Witkoff wrote. He said the sides agreed to continue talks in the same format “in the coming weeks.”

“The delegations expressed gratitude to the United Arab Emirates for organizing the talks, and Ukraine and the Russian Federation thanked President Donald J. Trump for his leadership in ending the war,” he stressed.

So far, the date of the next round of negotiations is unknown. On Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also assessed the talks as constructive.

Zelensky: The next trilateral meeting may be held in the US

Further peace talks with the participation of US, Ukrainian and Russian delegations may be held in the United States, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday. He added that it is important that the war ends so that Russia does not receive a reward for its aggression.

“Today, our negotiating team met after two days of meetings and talks in the Emirates – with the American and Russian sides. I am waiting for the team in Kiev to get a full report, because many aspects cannot be discussed over the phone. From what can already be said, further meetings are planned in the near future. Probably in America,” Zelensky said in his evening speech.

According to the president, Ukraine is ready for all formats of cooperation that can bring peace closer and “make it credible, long-lasting and one that will deprive Russia of its appetite for further war.” “It is important that this war ends in such a way that Russia does not receive a reward for aggression. This is one of the key principles that restore and guarantee real security,” Zelensky emphasized.

From Washington Oskar Górzyński (PAP)

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