High-level nature of Russian Federation’s delegation in Abu Dhabi indicates readiness for more substantive talks, – Bloomberg
Russia is sending a delegation of a higher level than in previous rounds to the talks with Ukraine in Abu Dhabi, which are being mediated by the US.
This was reported by Bloomberg, as relayed by Censor.NET.
What is known
The publication notes that the composition of the delegation indicates a readiness for more substantive talks following months of diplomatic deadlock.
The composition of the delegation for the meetings, which are due to begin on Tuesday, suggests that Moscow is likely prepared to focus on both political issues and the situation on the battlefield, given that its full-scale invasion of Ukraine has now been ongoing for almost five years.
The Moscow delegation to the United Arab Emirates will include Deputy Foreign Ministers Sergei Ryabkov and Mikhail Galuzin, Head of Military Intelligence Igor Kostyukov, and a senior General Staff officer, Yuri Zhigalovsky. The delegation will be led by Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky.
- Ryabkov is a senior Russian diplomat who oversees relations with the US and Iran, as well as arms control negotiations;
- Medinsky has been involved in Russian-Ukrainian talks since the meetings in Istanbul in 2022.
- Kostyukov also led the Russian Federation’s delegation in Abu Dhabi in January.
It is also noted that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin discussed preparations for the talks with the Russian Security Council on Friday. All members of the delegation travelling to the UAE took part in the meeting.
Background
- It was previously reported that Moscow had formed a delegation comprising high-ranking diplomats and military officials to take part in the next stage of talks with the US and Ukraine on ending the war.
- The Ukrainian delegation at the talks in Abu Dhabi will be led by Rustem Umerov.
