Negotiators from Russia and Ukraine are set to meet for peace talks in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, facilitated by the United States. This will be the third round of talks in the UAE this year, following earlier discussions in January and February. The US delegation, led by former President Donald Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, has been actively mediating between the two sides.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that recent military successes have bolstered Ukraine's negotiating position. In a video address on Monday, Zelenskyy reported that Ukrainian forces were strengthening their position, claiming Russia was facing "record losses," a claim Moscow contests. He urged the US to convince Russia to end the conflict, stating that Ukraine's long-range strikes on targets within Russia were effective.
Zelenskyy confirmed that General Mykhailo Drapatyi had presented a report indicating heavy Russian casualties and highlighted that Ukraine is responding to the war with justification. The Ukrainian delegation will again be led by Rustem Umerov, while Russia will be represented by Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky and deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov among others.
A US official revealed that both sides have shown some flexibility regarding territory exchanges. Key discussions will focus on security guarantees for Ukraine, potentially including a defence commitment akin to NATO's Article 5. Ukraine insists on reverting to its original borders, while Russian President Vladimir Putin seeks control over the entire Donbas region.
Currently, Russia occupies around 20% of Ukraine, including Crimea and parts of Donbas. Although its actions are not recognised internationally, Trump has suggested that Ukraine might need to cede territory for peace. The US official stated any territorial agreement is likely to come later in the negotiations, after addressing security issues.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio cautioned that there is still a "ways to go" in brokering peace. "We'll keep trying to find creative ways to end this conflict," he said. Despite Trump's promise to rapidly conclude the war after taking office in January 2025, a resolution has remained elusive almost five years after Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
While European powers such as France and Germany plan to send officials to the talks, Russia has expressed reluctance for European participation. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov clarified that discussions will be trilateral, involving only Russia, Ukraine, and the US. Trump noted a "strong inclination" towards ending the war, suggesting both sides are "tired of fighting."
Key points
- Ukraine and Russia will hold peace talks in Abu Dhabi facilitated by the US.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reports recent military successes have strengthened Ukraine's negotiating position.
- The talks will focus on security guarantees for Ukraine and potential territory exchanges.
