Negotiations aimed at ending Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine are set to continue Saturday in Abu Dhabi, bringing together representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States. The discussions come as the conflict approaches its fourth year, with international attention on possible breakthroughs.
Donbas Region Takes Center Stage
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the talks will focus heavily on the future of the eastern Donbas region, a key flashpoint in the conflict. “Ukrainian representatives report to me almost every hour – this is important because there have not been such trilateral meetings for a long time,” Zelenskyy said in a social media video. He added that Russia must show readiness to end the war it initiated, though he cautioned that it is still too early to assess the outcomes of the discussions.
The White House described Friday’s initial talks as productive, while the UAE’s foreign ministry framed the meetings as part of broader efforts “to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis.”
Moscow Emphasizes Territorial Conditions
Russia has offered limited details, calling the session a “working group on security issues.” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stressed that Ukraine’s withdrawal from eastern Donbas remains a key condition for Moscow, while other issues are being discussed.
Putin’s foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, described the talks with US officials as “frank, constructive, and fruitful,” but noted that a long-term settlement is unlikely without resolving territorial disputes. Russian media reported that potential buffer zones and control mechanisms were also part of the agenda.
Who Is at the Negotiating Table
Russia’s delegation, led by Admiral Igor Kostyukov, is primarily military, with economic matters handled separately by Putin’s envoy Kirill Dmitriev. The US team includes envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, and NATO’s top commander, General Alexus Grynkewich. Ukraine is represented by Rustem Umerov, head of the national security council; Andrii Hnatov, chief of general staff; and Kyrylo Budanov, head of the presidential office.
The Abu Dhabi talks follow earlier meetings in Moscow, where US envoys discussed a potential settlement with President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin reiterated that any deal would require Ukraine to withdraw from territories Russia has annexed but does not fully control. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy told reporters in Davos that peace proposals are “nearly ready” and said he is open to creating a free trade zone in eastern Ukraine under Kyiv’s control to support economic recovery.
