Ukraine, Russia, and US Hold First Trilateral Talks to End War

The first trilateral discussions among Ukraine, Russia, and the United States aim to address territorial issues amidst the ongoing conflict. The meetings, taking place in Abu Dhabi, mark a significant moment in the diplomatic efforts to end a war that began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Despite high hopes, both Ukraine and Russia have shown no signs of shifting their entrenched positions.

Details of the Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of the territorial dispute over Donbas during the two-day negotiations. This region remains a focal point, with Ukraine currently holding 20% of Donetsk, an area totaling around 5,000 square kilometers. President Zelenskyy expressed determination in defending Ukrainian territory against Russian demands.

Key Figures Involved

• Volodymyr Zelenskyy: President of Ukraine, leading the Ukrainian delegation.
• Rustem Umerov: Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council, heading the talks.
• Dmitry Peskov: Kremlin spokesman, conveying Russia’s conditions regarding Donbas.
• Igor Kostyukov: Head of Russia’s military intelligence, leading the Russian team.
• Abdullah bin Zayed: Emirati Foreign Minister, involved in facilitating the discussions.

Background Information

The war, lasting over four years, has seen Russia demand extensive territorial concessions from Ukraine. In particular, Moscow insists on Ukraine surrendering the entire Donbas region. This demand remains a significant obstacle to any potential peace agreement.

International Context

The United States has been pressuring Ukraine to pursue a resolution to the conflict. Zelenskyy previously discussed the upcoming meetings with US President Donald Trump, who described their conversation positively.

The negotiations in Abu Dhabi are notable for being the first direct talks involving all three parties since the war began. Previous encounters saw only two nations represented, highlighting the importance of this trilateral format.

Current Conditions in Ukraine

As talks progress, Ukraine faces harsh winter conditions compounded by ongoing missile strikes on its infrastructure. Many citizens are currently experiencing severe power outages and the absence of heating during freezing temperatures. These attacks on energy facilities underline concerns about Russia’s commitment to peace negotiations.

Financial and Security Discussions

• Ukraine is requesting substantial security guarantees from Western nations.
• In contrast, Russia has suggested utilizing nearly $5 billion of frozen assets in the US to facilitate a recovery of its occupied territories.
• Zelenskyy criticized Russia’s proposal as unrealistic, asserting that Ukraine expects reparations for the damage caused by the conflict.

As the talks unfold, both sides remain firm in their respective stances, with Ukraine intent on defending its territorial integrity and Russia determined to retain control over Donbas. The outcome of these discussions may have a profound impact on the future of the region.