Ukraine peace talks in Abu Dhabi to test Russia's willingness to negotiate

On November 10-11, Ukraine and Russia are set to reconvene for peace talks in Abu Dhabi, nine months after their last round of US-mediated discussions. The makeup of each side's delegation suggests their respective objectives in the negotiations.

Ukraine's team appears largely unchanged from previous talks, underscoring the nation's commitment to a ceasefire as the initial step towards a comprehensive peace deal. The delegation retains key figures like Rustem Umerov, head of the Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service, who has been instrumental in past negotiations. Other members include Kyrylo Budanov, head of Volodymyr Zelenskyy's office, Davyd Arakhamia, leader of the presidential ruling Servant of the People faction, and Serhii Kyslytsia, first deputy head of the presidential office.

Their past experience in negotiations lends continuity to Ukraine's push for a ceasefire and guarantees against future aggression.

Russia's delegation, however, shows some new blood alongside familiar faces. Kremlin aide and former culture minister Vladimir Medinsky will once again lead Moscow's negotiating team. Medinsky, a staunch supporter of Russia's invasion, has written a textbook defending Russia's war efforts against Ukraine. His inclusion signals that Moscow intends to broaden the talks beyond just Ukraine, potentially encompassing broader European security arrangements.

This is particularly evident with the addition of Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, who has been involved in Russia's security demands against NATO and the US. Ryabkov's experience could be used by Moscow to undermine Ukraine's quest for post-war security guarantees.

The Russian delegation also features Yuri Zhigarlovsky, deputy head of the General Staff's Main Operational Directorate, responsible for military planning and operations. This addition heightens concerns about the scope of discussions, as Russia seeks a more comprehensive peace settlement that addresses what it views as the root causes of the war. The composition of both delegations leaves many questions about the likely direction and outcomes of the upcoming negotiations in Abu Dhabi.