Representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States are convening in Abu Dhabi for the first trilateral discussions aimed at resolving the conflict since February. US officials noted that both Kyiv and Moscow are privately displaying minor flexibility regarding the postwar control of Ukraine's eastern territories.
The upcoming meetings approach the fifth anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion. The US delegation includes Jared Kushner and peace envoy Steve Witkoff. Kushner stated on social media that the discussions will center on addressing the postwar security concerns of both warring nations.
Significant divisions remain, particularly surrounding the Donetsk region. Moscow demands that Ukraine surrender the remaining portions of Donetsk under its control, whereas Kyiv prefers freezing the current contact line to retain those areas for its future security. American officials indicated that while public stances remain rigid, private discussions hint at room for compromise, though territorial resolution remains tied to establishing a broader postwar security architecture.
European officials have expressed concern about being excluded from potential security deals brokered between the US and Russia. French, UK, and German representatives are slated to participate in the meeting room following pushes from European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for direct European involvement in shaping the continent's security framework.
The proposed framework encompasses crisis communication hotlines, security consultations, reciprocal de-escalation steps, and the potential reactivation of the dormant Nato-Russia Council. Previous trilateral talks held in Geneva in February concluded without a breakthrough, after which Washington's focus shifted following the US-Israel war on Iran.