Tripartite negotiations involving Ukraine, Russia, and the United States are ongoing in Abu Dhabi, aiming to chart a path toward ending Russia’s nearly four-year full-scale invasion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the discussions will focus heavily on the future of the Donbas region, a central point of the conflict.
Progress Amid Uncertainty
The talks, which began Friday and are set to continue into Saturday, were described by the White House as productive. The UAE’s foreign ministry framed them as part of broader efforts “to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis.” Zelenskyy noted the importance of these meetings, saying Ukrainian representatives report to him almost hourly. He stressed that Russia must be willing to end the war it started, but cautioned that it is still too early to assess concrete outcomes.
Friday marked the first time officials from the Trump administration have met simultaneously with both Ukrainian and Russian negotiators. While challenges remain, some observers view the talks as a potential step toward a negotiated settlement.
Russia Highlights Territorial Concerns
Moscow offered few specifics, calling the discussions a “working group on security issues.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated that the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from eastern Donbas is a key condition for Russia. Putin’s foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, described the talks with US officials as “frank, constructive, and fruitful,” but emphasized that resolving territorial issues is essential for any long-term settlement. Russian media also reported that potential buffer zones and control mechanisms were on the agenda.
Delegations and Previous Meetings
Russia’s delegation is led by Admiral Igor Kostyukov, with Putin’s envoy Kirill Dmitriev handling separate economic discussions. The US team includes envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, and NATO’s top military commander, US Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich. Ukraine is represented by Rustem Umerov, head of the national security and defense council; Andrii Hnatov, chief of general staff; and Kyrylo Budanov, head of the presidential office.
These Abu Dhabi talks follow meetings in Moscow, where US envoys met with President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin said any settlement would require Kyiv to withdraw from territories Russia has annexed but does not fully control. Zelenskyy also indicated in Davos that peace proposals are “nearly ready” and expressed openness to establishing a free trade zone in eastern Ukraine under Kyiv’s control, which he said could benefit local businesses.
