Ukraine Names 10-Member Delegation for Peace Talks With US and Russia

President Volodymyr Zelensky has approved the composition of Ukraine’s delegation for peace talks with the United States and Russia, according to a presidential decree published Friday.

The decree authorizes a 10-member delegation to represent Ukraine in negotiations with the United States, other international partners and representatives of the Russian Federation aimed at achieving what Kyiv describes as a just and lasting peace.

The delegation will be led by Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council. Its members include Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Office of the President; Davyd Arakhamia, a member of parliament; Oleksandr Bevz, adviser to the president’s office; and Andriy Hnatov, chief of the General Staff of Ukraine’s armed forces.

Also named to the delegation are Oleh Ivashchenko, head of Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR); Serhiy Kyslytsia, first deputy head of the Office of the President; Yevhen Ostrianskyi, first deputy secretary of the National Security and Defense Council; Oleksandr Poklad, first deputy head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU); and Vadym Skibitskyi, deputy chief of military intelligence (HUR).

The announcement comes as the first trilateral meeting between Ukraine, the United States and Russia is set for Thursday in Abu Dhabi, where negotiators are expected to continue discussions on ending the war.

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Putin Responds to Zelensky’s Letter, Says Meeting Would Be Pointless

Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on June 5, Vladimir Putin said he had read Zelensky’s open letter that morning. He addressed comments about his age and time in office, criticized Ukraine’s election policy, and claimed Zelensky had requested a meeting through a Russian businessman. Putin said he had never refused talks but questioned the purpose of such a meeting and argued it would primarily benefit Ukraine.

Zelensky has said that the status of the Donbas region will be the central issue at the talks, underscoring that territorial questions remain among the most sensitive and complex elements of any potential settlement.

Zelensky said Friday that Ukraine has finalized a security guarantees agreement with the United States, calling it a potentially historic document, while broader economic “prosperity” agreements remain under negotiation due to unresolved funding details.

Speaking to journalists via a messaging app on Jan. 23, Zelensky responded to comments earlier by US special envoy Steve Witkoff, who said only one issue remained between Ukrainian and US negotiators.

Zelensky confirmed that recent talks with Donald Trump and his team were positive, with air defense and long-term security emerging as central themes.