Tripartite negotiations between the US, Ukraine, and Russia are set to continue Saturday in Abu Dhabi, as leaders push for a resolution to Russia’s nearly four-year invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that discussions will focus on the future of the contested eastern Donbas region, a key point in any potential settlement.
Progress Amid Caution
The talks, which began Friday, were described as productive by the White House. The UAE’s foreign ministry said the meetings aim “to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis.”
Zelenskyy noted the significance of the trilateral format, saying in a video posted on social media that his representatives are updating him almost hourly. “By now, they should already have at least some answers from Russia – the key is that Russia must be ready to end this war, the one it itself started,” he said, adding that it is too early to draw conclusions from the discussions.
Observers highlighted that Friday marked the first known instance of officials from the Trump administration meeting simultaneously with both Ukrainian and Russian negotiators. While the outcome remains uncertain, some see the talks as a step toward progress.
Moscow Highlights Territorial Demands
Russia provided limited details, referring to the meeting only as a “working group on security issues.” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Ukraine’s withdrawal from eastern Donbas is an “important condition,” while other issues are also under discussion.
Putin’s foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, described the talks with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner as “frank, constructive, and fruitful,” but emphasized that a long-term settlement depends on resolving territorial disputes. Russian media reported that buffer zones and monitoring mechanisms were also part of the agenda.
Delegations and Background
Russia’s delegation is led by Admiral Igor Kostyukov and includes senior military officials. Putin’s envoy Kirill Dmitriev is meeting separately with US representatives on economic matters. The US delegation includes Witkoff, Kushner, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, and NATO’s top military commander, US Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich. Ukraine is represented by Rustem Umerov, Andrii Hnatov, and Kyrylo Budanov.
The Abu Dhabi talks follow earlier meetings in Moscow, where Trump’s envoys met Putin. The Kremlin reiterated that any peace deal would require Ukrainian forces to withdraw from territories Russia claims but does not fully control. Zelenskyy also met Trump in Davos, describing peace proposals as “nearly ready” and expressing openness to creating a free trade zone in eastern Ukraine under Kyiv’s control, which he said could benefit Ukrainian businesses.
