Ukrainian and Russian intelligence officials met in Abu Dhabi, says Putin aide

A Russian presidential aide has confirmed that Ukrainian and Russian intelligence officials met in Abu Dhabi on 25 November.

Source: Yuri Ushakov, an aide to Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin

Quote: "There were representatives doing serious work, from Ukraine and Russia's intelligence services. They hold occasional meetings to discuss sensitive matters, particularly prisoner swaps."

Details: He said a "wild card" showed up at the meeting – a new US official is now in charge of "the Ukraine issue".

Quote: "He appeared there and met with the Ukrainian representatives, as I understand it, and it seems this had been prearranged. He also held an unexpected meeting with our representatives."

Details: Ushakov noted that the Russian delegation at the Ukraine-Russia intelligence meeting included officials handling practical issues, which he called "very complex and delicate".

He added that it was not Sergei Naryshkin, head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, representing Russia, but someone else.

Background:

• Western media reports indicated that a Ukrainian delegation led by spy chief Kyrylo Budanov was in Abu Dhabi alongside the American delegation on 25 November.
• That same day, US digital news outlet Axios reported that the Russian and US delegations had begun talks in Abu Dhabi regarding the updated peace plan.
• US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll held further meetings with the Russian delegation in the UAE capital that day. The Ukrainian delegation, led by Budanov, was also present there.

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