Russia, U.S., Ukraine delegations meet in UAE behind closed doors

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Initial rounds of the Russia-U.S.-Ukraine trilateral working group talks on security issues, taking place in Abu Dhabi, will be held in a highly confidential format. Media representatives will not be present, according to an informed source cited by TASS.

The source noted that the exact location of the meeting will not be disclosed, and strict confidentiality will be maintained at least during the first day of negotiations. The talks between delegations of the three countries are expected to last two days.

UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan earlier announced the start of the negotiation process. According to TASS, there is calm in the areas around major hotels and the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi, with no signs of enhanced security measures or increased patrols. Hotel representatives also stated they have no information about the possible presence of delegations.

Earlier, Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov informed that the first meeting of the trilateral working group on security issues is scheduled for January 23 in Abu Dhabi. The Russian delegation is led by Chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Igor Kostyukov. The Ukrainian side is headed by Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Rustem Umerov.