US, Russia and Ukraine to hold talks in Abu Dhabi, US says

· Security · United States · Russia

The United States said trilateral talks with Russia and Ukraine will take place in Abu Dhabi this month, with lead US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner expected to represent Washington. A US official said the talks would be held next week. The announcement comes as Washington plans a fresh push asking NATO allies to contribute more money to a key weapons-delivery programme for Ukraine, a sign that US defense support for Kyiv continues despite tension between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. A Russian strike on an aid centre in southern Ukraine that killed at least 26 people has complicated the diplomatic picture.

Why it matters:Direct talks among the three sides would be the most serious diplomatic opening of the war, while the NATO funding push shows US support continues despite political friction.

Key points

  • Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to represent the US.
  • A US official said the talks would be held next week.
  • Washington also plans to ask NATO allies for more money for Ukraine arms deliveries.

Sources (original reporting)

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