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Trilateral talks set for Abu Dhabi
Negotiators from Russia, Ukraine and the United States will convene in the United Arab Emirates later today in the first meeting involving all three nations since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago.
Kremlin frames talks as constructive but insists on territorial resolution
Following a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and US envoys in Moscow, the Kremlin confirmed Russian participation, calling the discussions "useful in every respect." However, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov stressed that a lasting peace agreement remains contingent on resolving territorial disputes. "Until this is achieved, Russia will continue to pursue the objectives of the special military operation," he stated.
Ushakov added that Putin expressed a "sincere interest" in a diplomatic solution but tied progress to terms allegedly agreed during a 2023 summit between Putin and former US President Donald Trump in Anchorage.
Ukraine emphasizes land disputes as key obstacle
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the Abu Dhabi talks as "a step-hopefully toward ending the war," while underscoring that unresolved territorial issues, particularly in eastern Ukraine, remain the primary hurdle. "It's all about the land. This is the issue which is not solved yet," Zelensky told reporters in Davos, urging Russia to demonstrate willingness for compromise.
Zelensky revealed that Ukraine has proposed withdrawing troops up to 40 kilometers from the Donbas region to establish an economic zone, provided Russia reciprocates. He also indicated that a 20-point US peace plan is 90% complete but noted fundamental disagreements over the future of Donbas.
Delegations and agenda
The Ukrainian delegation in Abu Dhabi will include the head of the national security and defense council, Rustem Umerov, intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov, and negotiator David Arakhamia, alongside military leaders. Russia will be represented by General Igor Kostyukov, director of the GRU military intelligence agency, while US businessman Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner attended the preliminary Moscow talks.
A separate economic discussion between Russian investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev and Witkoff is also scheduled.
Security guarantees and congressional hurdles
Zelensky stated that he and Trump had reached a preliminary agreement on US security guarantees for Ukraine, contingent on approval by the US Congress and Ukrainian parliament. No further details were disclosed. Witkoff previously claimed Russia had agreed to allow "robust" security assurances for Ukraine as part of a potential deal.
Ongoing hostilities amid diplomatic efforts
Despite the talks, both sides reported overnight drone attacks. Russia's Penza Oblast governor reported a fire at an oil depot following a strike, while Ukraine's military said Russian drones targeted 12 locations. Recent Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure have left civilians without heating or power amid freezing temperatures.
