Zelenskyy Hails Constructive Trilateral Talks Possible Next Week
Ukraine, Russia, and US envoys hold upbeat discussions in Abu Dhabi on ceasefire and peace parameters.
Two days of unprecedented trilateral talks involving Ukraine, Russia, and the United States concluded on Saturday in Abu Dhabi with positive and constructive outcomes, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced. The negotiations marked the first known direct engagement between Trump administration representatives and both warring sides since Moscow’s full-scale invasion began nearly four years ago.
Zelenskyy described the discussions as covering a wide range of military and economic issues, including the possibility of a ceasefire before any final peace agreement. He noted that all parties agreed to report back to their respective leaders and coordinate next steps. The next round of talks is scheduled to resume in the United Arab Emirates on February 1.
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner joined Ukrainian negotiators Rustem Umerov and Kyrylo Budanov, while Russia was represented by military intelligence and army officials. A US official described the atmosphere as upbeat, highlighting progress on several fronts, though key issues remain unresolved. These include the final framework for oversight and operation of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant—Europe’s largest—with agreement only that power generation would be shared equitably.
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Zelenskyy emphasised an emerging understanding of the need for American monitoring and control to ensure genuine security during the war’s end process. Territorial disputes, particularly Russia’s demands for Ukrainian withdrawal from annexed eastern regions, continue to pose major hurdles. The US official indicated that further bilateral Russia-Ukraine discussions may be needed before any potential meetings involving Presidents Zelenskyy, Putin, or Trump.
The talks occurred against the backdrop of intensified Russian attacks. Drone strikes on Kyiv killed one person and injured four, while 27 were wounded in Kharkiv. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned the timing of the assaults, accusing Moscow of striking both civilians and the negotiation process itself.
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