Historic Trilateral Peace Talks Commence in Abu Dhabi
For the first time in history, representatives from the United States, Ukraine, and Russia are gathering around the same table for a landmark trilateral meeting aimed at discussing a potential peace agreement. These historic negotiations are taking place in Abu Dhabi, following a late-night discussion described as both "frank" and "constructive" between US special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The talks come after weeks of stalled diplomatic efforts, with European leaders increasingly vocal in their calls for urgent action to resolve the protracted conflict. The parties involved are seeking to narrow significant gaps in a peace plan originally proposed by Washington, which faced initial criticism for being perceived as overly favourable to Russian interests.
Ukrainian Demands and European Context
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has articulated clear non-negotiable demands ahead of the discussions. These include respect for Ukraine's territorial integrity, the freedom to pursue NATO membership ambitions, aspirations for European Union accession, and the maintenance of a substantial military force to deter future Russian aggression.
In a scathing address delivered at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week, President Zelensky criticised European nations for what he characterised as a tendency to "love to discuss the future but avoid taking action." This statement underscores the heightened tensions and complex diplomatic landscape surrounding these negotiations.
Key American Figures in the Negotiations
Steve Witkoff: The Billionaire Diplomat
Steve Witkoff, a billionaire real estate investor with significant ties to Russia, serves as the United States special envoy to the Middle East and special envoy for peace missions following President Donald Trump's re-election. He played a crucial role in negotiating last year's ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas alongside Jared Kushner.
Prior to his political career, Witkoff cultivated successful business dealings in the Middle East and developed strong relationships with the Qatari government, which were reportedly key funding sources for his Witkoff Group. He previously served during the first Trump administration as a member of the Great American Economic Revival Industry Groups.
Witkoff found himself embroiled in controversy last year when a leaked tape appeared to show him coaching Yuri Ushakov, Putin's senior aide, on negotiating tactics favourable to Russian interests.
Jared Kushner: Real Estate Tycoon Turned Diplomat
Jared Kushner, the 45-year-old investor and businessman married to President Trump's daughter Ivanka, transitioned into politics through his family connections. He served as a senior advisor to Trump during his first term and has built a substantial real estate portfolio worth over $7 billion, primarily in New York City.
Kushner faced scrutiny for alleged links to Russia during investigations into election interference but has consistently denied any improper ties. Following his role in brokering the Israel-Hamas peace deal, he has utilised his Middle Eastern business relationships to continue diplomatic work in the region. He emerged as an intermediary in Ukraine-Russia talks in December 2025.
Dan Driscoll: The Military-Experienced Negotiator
Dan Driscoll, a friend and former Yale Law School classmate of Vice President JD Vance, has established himself as a formidable figure in the current Trump administration as US Army Secretary. With a background that includes three and a half years in the US Army with deployment in Iraq, Driscoll brings military experience to the negotiations despite limited diplomatic background.
The former investment banker has been directly involved in controversial National Guard deployments across the US and succeeded Kash Patel as acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. His involvement comes amid criticism surrounding Secretary of War Peter Hegseth, with sources suggesting greater trust in Driscoll's ability to deliver messages to key leaders.
Russian Representatives at the Table
Kirill Dmitriev: The Sanctioned Kremlin Official
Kirill Dmitriev, Harvard-educated CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), serves as special presidential envoy on Foreign Investment and Economic Cooperation despite limited diplomatic experience. Both Dmitriev and his organisation have been under US sanctions since 2022, effectively prohibiting American citizens and companies from dealing with them.
A close ally of President Putin, Dmitriev has reportedly clashed with other members of the Russian inner circle, including "sidelined" veteran foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and presidential aide Yuri Ushakov. He has met multiple times with Trump's closest officials, including Witkoff and Kushner, and previously coordinated with Kushner during the pandemic on delivering RDIF-supplied ventilators to the US.
Admiral Igor Kostyukov: Military Intelligence Director
Admiral Igor Kostyukov, director of Russian military intelligence, joins Dmitriev as part of the Russian delegation. The European Union imposed sanctions on Kostyukov in 2020 after he was accused of stealing Angela Merkel's emails during a 2015 cyber-attack on the German parliament. The United States also blacklisted him in 2016 alongside several other Russian citizens over alleged election interference.
Kostyukov played a significant role in Russia's military operations in Syria and was awarded the country's highest honour, the Hero of Russia medal, for his service.
Ukrainian Negotiating Team
Rustem Umerov: Leading Ukraine's Delegation
Rustem Umerov, Ukraine's former defence minister and secretary of the National Security and Defence Council, leads discussions for President Zelensky's administration. Umerov has indicated that negotiations have thus far focused on security guarantees and developing a comprehensive post-war economic recovery plan for Ukraine.
The discussions occur against the backdrop of President Trump's controversial demand in February last year for 50 percent of Ukraine's mineral riches in exchange for peace, adding complexity to the economic dimensions of the talks.
Krylo Budanov: Soldier Turned Presidential Chief
Krylo Budanov, Zelensky's head of office, assumed his position following a corruption scandal that threatened to derail peace talks, replacing Andrii Yermak. At 39 years old, Budanov is both the first soldier to head the presidential office and the youngest person ever to hold the position.
The military intelligence officer brings substantial battlefield knowledge to the role. Russia issued an arrest warrant against Budanov in 2023 for alleged involvement in a 2022 Ukrainian attack on the Crimean Bridge, with a Moscow court issuing an in absentia arrest warrant for terrorism-related charges in December 2025.
Andrii Hnatov: Enhancing Combat Effectiveness
Andrii Hnatov was appointed as Zelensky's chief of general staff in March 2025 with the specific mandate of enhancing Ukraine's combat effectiveness. At the time of his appointment, Umerov stated that Ukraine was "systematically transforming the Armed Forces of Ukraine to enhance their combat effectiveness," indicating the military dimension remains central to Ukraine's negotiating position.
These complex negotiations bring together diverse figures with varying backgrounds in business, military service, and diplomacy, all navigating the intricate geopolitical landscape of Eastern European conflict resolution. The Abu Dhabi talks represent a potentially pivotal moment in international efforts to establish lasting peace in the region.
