Trilateral peace talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States concluded in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, with no immediate breakthrough. Further rounds are expected next week as tensions continue, particularly over Russia’s demand for Ukraine’s Donbas region.
The two-day trilateral peace talks between Russia, Ukraine and mediator United States concluded on Saturday, with no immediate clarity on the direction or outcome of the negotiations.
Further rounds of negotiations aimed at easing tensions between Moscow and Kyiv are expected to continue in Abu Dhabi next week, AFP reported, citing a source.
Talks end amid fresh Russian strikes
The talks concluded just hours after Russia launched an overnight drone and missile attack on Kyiv, killing at least one person and injuring four others. The strike damaged the city’s power grid, leaving nearly 1.2 million properties without electricity, according to Reuters.
Around 6,000 buildings in the Ukrainian capital were without heating on Saturday morning as temperatures dropped to around minus 10 degrees Celsius.
First trilateral meeting since war began
The negotiations began on Friday, marking the first trilateral talks involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States since the war broke out. During the discussions, Russian President Vladimir Putin held marathon overnight talks with US President Donald Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, AP reported.
Russia repeats troop withdrawal demand
Russia reportedly reiterated its demand that Ukraine withdraw troops from eastern regions that Moscow claims to have annexed but does not fully control, presenting the condition as essential to any peace settlement.
Zelensky says deal ‘nearly ready’
Earlier this week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said a potential peace deal was “nearly ready” while speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
UAE describes talks as ‘constructive’
A spokesperson for the UAE government said on Saturday that the Abu Dhabi talks focused on the “outstanding elements” of the US-proposed negotiation framework. The discussions were held in a constructive and positive atmosphere and included direct engagement between officials from both sides, Reuters reported.
Donbas remains unresolved
Russia’s long-standing demand over the Donbas region remains unresolved. Although Donbas was expected to be a major sticking point in the talks, there has been no confirmation on whether the issue was settled.
The eastern Ukrainian region, comprising the coal-rich areas of Donetsk and Luhansk, is strategically important for its mineral resources, fertile agricultural land and steel industry, and is connected to the Sea of Azov through river networks.
Ukraine rejects territorial concessions
Zelensky has repeatedly rejected Russia’s demand for Donbas, making it clear that Ukraine would not surrender any part of its territory. Speaking at Davos, he said: “It’s all about the eastern part of our country, it’s all about the land.”
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