Russian President Vladimir Putin commented on the recent meeting in Abu Dhabi, clarifying that the talks were not secret and were part of ongoing contacts between Russian and Ukrainian special services focused on humanitarian issues—primarily prisoner exchanges.
Putin said the United Arab Emirates has played an essential role as a mediation platform, helping facilitate the return of “many hundreds” of Russian prisoners of war. According to him, the latest meeting was initiated by the Ukrainian side, with senior representatives from the FSB attending.
Unexpectedly, a U.S. administration official also appeared at the meeting, raising the possibility of holding follow-up talks in Moscow earlier than planned. Putin stated he was informed only after landing in Bishkek but expressed full readiness to meet “any day, any time.”
He added that President Donald Trump ultimately decided the previously agreed schedule would remain in place, with U.S. representatives expected to arrive in Moscow in the first half of next week. Putin reiterated that Russia remains open to dialogue.
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