KIEV -- Delegations from Ukraine, the United States and Russia on Wednesday started trilateral talks in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Ukraine's chief negotiator Rustem Umerov said on Facebook.

Following the meeting, the delegations are expected to work in separate groups focused on specific tracks, Umerov said. A follow-up joint meeting is planned afterwards, he added.

"We are working within the clear directives of (Ukrainian) President Volodymyr Zelensky to achieve a dignified and lasting peace," Umerov said.