Negotiations in Abu Dhabi: what Ukraine, Russia, and the USA discussed regarding the ceasefire

Negotiations in Abu Dhabi: what Ukraine, Russia, and the USA discussed regarding the ceasefire

According to Студия Руслана Бизяева: The tripartite negotiations between Ukraine, Russia, and the USA in Abu Dhabi did not result in any concrete agreements. The only outcome was the decision to meet again in a week, although the exact date of the next meeting was not agreed upon. The parties conducted what was described as 'deep diplomatic reconnaissance,' discussing in detail the technical mechanisms for a possible ceasefire.

Main discussion issues

The central topics of discussion were the withdrawal of heavy weaponry and the establishment of a control mechanism:

• Ukraine proposed to see Western peacekeepers on the line of demarcation,
• Russia and the USA leaned towards a monitoring mission using drones.
• The idea of a joint control center, similar to the time of the Minsk agreements, was also considered.

The Russian side, represented by a narrow military delegation, insisted that any steps must take place after the withdrawal of the Ukrainian army from the Donetsk region. As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated the day before:

“We will not leave our territory.”

Separately, the Ukrainian side raised the issue of an energy ceasefire, but the Russian representatives were not authorized to discuss it. The American side reportedly proposed to create a free economic and demilitarized zone on the territory from Slovyansk to Horlivka.

The meeting took place at the initiative of the USA, who are actively promoting the idea of negotiations. Analysts note that the talks may hit a deadlock without political compromises, for which neither side is currently prepared, especially considering that 70-80% of the population in both Ukraine and Russia demands an end to the war.