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| U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll attends a meeting with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy (not pictured), amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, November 20, 2025. Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via REUTERS |
ABU DHABI — According to multiple sources familiar with the matter, high-ranking representatives from both governments met under the discreet guidance of UAE mediators. While the meeting was intentionally kept off the public radar, insiders say it is one of the most meaningful exchanges between the two countries in months—an indication that both sides may be testing whether there’s room to restart dialogue.
Although neither Washington nor Moscow has released official details, individuals briefed on the meeting say the discussions centered around two practical areas: potential prisoner exchanges and the possible revival of Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea—an issue that has had significant global repercussions.
Why Abu Dhabi?
The UAE has increasingly become a neutral ground for quiet diplomacy, maintaining workable relationships with both nations. Hosting the meeting there allowed U.S. and Russian officials to speak candidly, without the immediate pressure of public scrutiny.
One source with direct knowledge of the talks emphasized their exploratory nature, saying:
> “This wasn’t a negotiation. The goal was simply to gauge whether any common ground exists. The fact that the meeting happened at all is what really matters.”
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1. Prisoner Exchanges
Securing the release of U.S. citizens held in Russia remains a high priority for the Biden administration. Progress on this front is seen as a potential confidence-building measure that could open the door to deeper discussions later.
2. Reviving the Grain Deal
The collapse of the Black Sea Grain Initiative in July drove up global food prices and intensified food insecurity in vulnerable regions. Both sides have expressed interest in restoring some version of the deal—though each has conditions that complicate the path forward.
Official Reactions
The White House has not issued a formal statement, but one senior U.S. official warned against overly optimistic interpretations, noting that major disagreements remain—particularly on issues tied to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Moscow’s response has been similarly understated. A Kremlin spokesperson acknowledged the importance of keeping communication channels open while repeating Russia’s insistence on international recognition of what it calls “new territorial realities.”