Russian, Ukrainian, and US officials are meeting in the United Arab Emirates. The UAE Foreign Ministry says it is the first gathering of all three countries since Russia’s full-scale invasion nearly four years ago.
The Kremlin confirmed its officials would attend after President Vladimir Putin met US envoys in Moscow. Russia described the talks as “useful in every respect” but said a long-term peace deal depends on resolving territorial disputes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the Abu Dhabi meeting a “step, hopefully, towards ending the war.”
Participants and Focus
At the Moscow meeting, Putin met three US representatives, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said the talks were “substantive, constructive, and frank” but reiterated that a durable peace is impossible without resolving territorial issues.
“Until this is achieved, Russia will continue its objectives in the special military operation,” Ushakov said. He added that Putin is “sincerely interested” in diplomacy, but stressed that agreements must follow the Anchorage formula from last year’s Trump-Putin summit.
Witkoff previously said Russia had agreed to let the US and Europe provide Ukraine with strong security guarantees in any peace deal.
Territorial Disputes
Zelensky highlighted that the future of eastern Ukraine remains unresolved. “It’s all about the land,” he said. The Donbas region is a key sticking point. Zelensky proposed withdrawing troops up to 40km (25 miles) from Donbas to create an economic zone, if Russia reciprocates.
The US plan envisions a demilitarised economic zone in Donbas, paired with security guarantees for Kyiv. Any agreement would require approval by the US Congress and the Ukrainian parliament.
Delegations and Negotiations
Ukraine’s delegation includes Rustem Umerov, Kyrylo Budanov, David Arakhamia, and Chief of General Staff Andrii Hnatov. Russia’s delegation is led by GRU chief General Igor Kostyukov, with investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev discussing economic matters with Witkoff.
Ongoing Conflict
Despite talks, both sides reported overnight drone attacks. Penza Oblast in Russia saw a fire at an oil depot, while Ukraine reported drones striking 12 locations. Recent Russian strikes have left many Ukrainians without heat or power amid freezing temperatures.
