German media report that former German politicians and Kremlin‑linked officials held a secret meeting in Abu Dhabi in early November, continuing unofficial talks that have been taking place for months outside official channels.
Secret meeting in Abu Dhabi
German outlets claim that early November saw a clandestine gathering in Abu Dhabi between former German political leaders and individuals linked to the Kremlin. The meeting took place at a luxury hotel on the Persian Gulf, according to reporting by Die Zeit.
Attendees from both sides
The German delegation included Ronald Pofalla, Matthias Platzeck and Martin Hoffmann. On the Russian side, the representatives were Gazprom supervisory board chairman Wiktor Subkow and human‑rights advisor Valeri Fadejew.
Continuing the Petersburg Dialogue
Die Zeit argues that the talks serve as an informal extension of the 2001 Petersburg Dialogue, established by Gerhard Schröder and Vladimir Putin. Although Angela Merkel officially ended the forum in 2021, officials have reportedly met behind closed doors since early 2024.
German government response
When asked by Die Zeit, the German government said it had no plans to return to the Petersburg Dialogue. Officials noted that the recent meeting felt more like a social gathering of old friends who trust each other despite the war in Ukraine.
U.S.–Ukrainian talks in Florida conclude
Ukrainian and U.S. delegations met in Florida last Sunday to discuss the U.S. peace plan, which had earlier been consulted with Russia. The talks ended without a breakthrough, and the results remain unknown.
Delegation participants and outcomes
Ukraine’s delegation was led by head of delegation and security council secretary Rustem Umierow, plus chief of general staff Andrij Hnatow. U.S. participants were Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. After the meeting, Witkoff and Kushner traveled to Moscow, where Russia demanded territorial concessions from Ukraine, including withdrawal from the entire Donbas region.