# Vladimir Medinsky Leads Russian Delegation in Abu Dhabi Ukraine Peace Talks

The Kremlin appoints hardline negotiator Medinsky for renewed peace talks mediated by the United States.

- **Source:** [Le Monde in English](https://www.lemonde.fr/en)
- **Published:** 2026-11-10
- **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics)
- **Original article:** <https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2026/11/10/vladimir-medinsky-the-kremlin-negotiator-obsessed-with-incorporating-ukraine-into-russia_6776829_4.html>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/f3d07fe0-e9ce-420b-b10c-59247a068cee

## Renewed Diplomatic Efforts

Peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine have resumed in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, under United States mediation. This follows a period of diplomatic stalemate and a hiatus caused by conflict in the Middle East. The talks were facilitated after phone discussions between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin involving negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

## Hardline Delegation Composition

The Russian delegation is led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, known for his previous roles in unsuccessful talks in Istanbul and Geneva. He is joined by Deputy Foreign Ministers Sergei Ryabkov and Mikhail Galuzin. Military intelligence chief Igor Kostyukov and his deputy, General Yuri Zhigarlovsky, represent the General Staff’s operational planning directorate in these discussions.

## Medinsky's Negotiating History

Ukrainian negotiators are familiar with Medinsky from rounds held in March 2022, May 2025, and February 2026. During these sessions, he became known for issuing ultimatums that frequently caused discussions to collapse. His leadership of the current delegation suggests the Kremlin may maintain a rigid stance rather than seeking a compromise-based diplomatic breakthrough.

## Textbook Revisionism

Between negotiation rounds, Medinsky focused on ideological projects, including revising Russia’s 11th-grade history textbook. The new edition, co-authored with MGIMO rector Anatoly Torkunov, highlights a positive role for the Donald Trump administration in the war. This reflects a broader effort to align educational materials with current Kremlin geopolitical narratives and shifting international diplomatic alliances.

## Cultural and Political Influence

Medinsky continues to influence Russian cultural policy, advocating for Soviet-style film censorship to ensure artistic quality. He also serves as chairman of the Russian Military Historical Society, a position he has held since 2013 and was reelected to in October 2026. Additionally, he has authored plays, including one focused on the Decembrist uprising.

## International Sanctions Impact

In July 2026, the European Union imposed its 21st package of sanctions against Russia, which Kaja Kallas described as the largest in four years. Vladimir Medinsky was included in these restrictive measures. Despite these international pressures, he remains a central figure in the Kremlin’s diplomatic and ideological apparatus, maintaining his high-level government responsibilities.

## State-Supported Lifestyle

Medinsky frequently visits the Sberbank-owned Manzherok resort in the Altai region for annual conferences. The Presidential Property Management Department covers lodging expenses for him and other Kremlin staff at this facility. The resort is known for hosting various Russian officials, business figures, and individuals connected to the Federal Security Service throughout the year.

## Future Negotiating Outlook

The presence of military intelligence officials alongside a staunch propagandist indicates that the Kremlin’s approach remains heavily securitized. While the involvement of U.S. mediators provides a framework for dialogue, the track record of the Russian delegation suggests significant hurdles remain. Observers will monitor whether these Abu Dhabi talks produce tangible outcomes or further stalemates.

## Sources covering this story

- [Le Monde in English — Vladimir Medinsky Leads Russian Delegation in New Ukraine Peace Talks](https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2026/11/10/vladimir-medinsky-the-kremlin-negotiator-obsessed-with-incorporating-ukraine-into-russia_6776829_4.html)
- [Meduza English — Vladimir Medinsky's Activities Between Russia-Ukraine Peace Negotiation Rounds](https://meduza.io/en/feature/2026/11/10/what-has-russia-s-chief-negotiator-vladimir-medinsky-been-up-to-since-the-last-round-of-peace-talks-rewriting-history-textbooks-praising-soviet-censorship-and-vacationing-at-a-luxury-resort)

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._