Negotiators from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States have started their first trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi since Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the UAE Foreign Ministry confirmed.
Senior officials from the three countries are involved, though it is unclear whether they will meet in person. The two-day talks carry high stakes but low expectations due to unresolved core disputes.
U.S. President Donald Trump has called for a peace deal, saying the conflict is unwise for both sides. His envoys have attempted to unite the parties, but major sticking points remain.
After recent talks with Trump in Davos, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed cautious optimism and noted Kyiv hopes for stronger U.S. air defence support amid continued Russian strikes.
The fate of eastern Donbas remains the primary obstacle. Russia demands Ukraine cede territory it failed to secure militarily, while Kyiv refuses, citing sacrifices by fallen soldiers.
Zelensky says Ukraine is close to a peace framework but concedes final compromises are the toughest. Security guarantees from Washington are also discussed, though details are vague.
Kyiv says such assurances are essential if Russia invades again. Doubts over U.S. reliability persist, with Trump’s past actions raising questions about America’s commitment to NATO and sovereignty protections.
The Kremlin has indicated that if its demands are not met at the negotiating table, it will seek them on the battlefield. Russian forces have intensified attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, leaving civilians struggling through a harsh winter. Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, has urged residents to leave the city if possible, warning that the
As talks unfold in Abu Dhabi, the situation may further deteriorate if no agreement is reached.
The urgency for decisive action is clear, as both sides await the outcome with uncertainty, hoping these talks might mark a step toward resolving the ongoing conflict.
