Efforts to end Russia’s nearly four-year full-scale invasion of Ukraine continue in Abu Dhabi, where officials from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States are meeting for the first known trilateral discussions of this kind. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the talks will focus heavily on the eastern Donbas region, a central point of contention in any potential settlement.
Zelenskyy Emphasizes Urgency and Open Dialogue
Zelenskyy shared in a social media video that Ukrainian negotiators are updating him almost hourly, highlighting the significance of these meetings, which have not occurred in this format for a long time. “By now, they should already have at least some answers from Russia,” he said, stressing that Moscow must show readiness to end the war it initiated. He added that it is still too early to draw conclusions about the substance of the discussions.
The White House described Friday’s first day as productive, while the UAE’s foreign ministry framed the talks as part of broader efforts “to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis.” Observers have noted that despite remaining challenges, convening all three parties together is a notable step forward.
Russia Insists on Territorial Conditions
Moscow has provided few details about the discussions, calling them a “working group on security issues.” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from eastern Donbas remains an essential condition for Russia, with other unspecified issues also being addressed.
Putin’s foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, described the discussions with the US as “frank, constructive, and fruitful” but stressed that a long-term settlement will require resolution of territorial disputes. Russian media reported that the agenda also includes proposals for buffer zones and mechanisms for control in contested areas.
Who’s Representing Each Side
Russia’s delegation is led by Admiral Igor Kostyukov and includes senior military officials, while Putin’s envoy Kirill Dmitriev is set to discuss economic matters separately with US representatives. The American delegation 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 Defence Council; Andrii Hnatov, chief of the General Staff; and Kyrylo Budanov, head of the presidential office.
The talks follow previous meetings in Moscow on Thursday, where US envoys met President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin stated then that any peace deal would require Ukraine to withdraw from territories Russia claims but does not fully control. Zelenskyy, meanwhile, said after a meeting with US President Donald Trump in Davos that while the peace proposals are “nearly ready,” the issue of currently occupied land has yet to be resolved.
Zelenskyy also expressed openness to establishing a free trade zone in parts of eastern Ukraine under Kyiv’s control, suggesting it could benefit local businesses and support longer-term recovery.
