Abu Dhabi to Host US-Brokered Talks on Donbas Between Ukraine and Russia

Three-Way Talks on Donbas to Be Held

According to ХВИЛЯ: A pivotal round of three-way negotiations concerning the future of the Donbas region is scheduled for Abu Dhabi, involving delegates from Ukraine, the United States, and Russia. These talks represent the next diplomatic step following a four-hour meeting in Moscow between US representatives and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The discussions are considered crucial for any potential resolution to the protracted conflict in eastern Ukraine, a conflict that has claimed over 14,000 lives since 2014.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the talks, emphasizing the centrality of the Donbas issue.

"It will be discussed, and the modality of how the three sides see it will be discussed in Abu Dhabi today and tomorrow," stated Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The Moscow meeting itself came after talks between former US President Donald Trump and Zelenskyy in Davos, where a US plan for ending the war was reportedly discussed.

Delegation Rosters

The negotiations will feature high-level delegations from the three nations:

• For Ukraine: Lead negotiator Rustem Umerov, Head of the President's Office Kyrylo Budanov, diplomatic advisor Serhiy Kyslytsya, leader of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction David Arakhamia, and Chief of the General Staff Andriy Hnatov.
• For the United States: Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll.
• For Russia: Special envoy Kirill Dmitriev and a group led by GRU head Admiral Igor Kostyukov.

Putin's aide Yuri Ushakov characterized the earlier conversation with the Americans as substantive and very frank. He also issued a territorial ultimatum, stating that 'without resolving the territorial issue, there is no prospect for a long-term settlement.' Moscow demands the transfer of the entire Donbas region to Russian control, a topic previously discussed at the Trump-Putin summit in August. Sources indicate the US is close to an agreement with Ukraine on a peace plan, though clear success in persuading Putin has not yet been achieved.

Consequently, the Abu Dhabi talks could prove a decisive move in the search for pathways to a peaceful settlement in Donbas.

The Abu Dhabi negotiations reflect intensifying international efforts to resolve the multi-year Donbas conflict. US involvement as a mediator underscores America's strategic interest in the region, while also highlighting Ukraine's willingness to seek compromises for peace. However, Russia's rigid stance on territorial demands continues to present a major obstacle to reaching a consensus among the parties.