Delegations from Ukraine, Russia and the United States have begun trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi, marking the first high level three way diplomatic engagement since Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine began in early 2022. The discussions are scheduled to continue over two days, with officials from all three sides participating at a technical level.
The talks, hosted by the UAE, come amid ongoing conflict on the battlefield, with fighting continuing even as negotiators meet. Neither national leaders nor heads of state are present; instead, senior representatives and diplomats are conducting the meetings.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described the future of the Donbas region as a central issue in the discussions. Control of eastern Ukraine particularly the Donetsk and Luhansk areas remains one of the thorniest obstacles to a peace agreement, with Russia insisting that Ukrainian forces withdraw from these territories, a demand Kyiv has repeatedly rejected.
In remarks to journalists ahead of the talks, Zelenskyy emphasised that the Donbas issue would be “key” to resolving the conflict and would be discussed over the two days of meetings in Abu Dhabi. U.S. envoys have also been involved in preparatory diplomatic engagements, highlighting progress and the importance of continuing dialogue.
Moscow’s position remains firm: Russian officials have reiterated that territorial concessions, including the fate of the Donbas region, are a central condition for any long term settlement. Ukraine, meanwhile, has insisted it will not cede territory it continues to defend, arguing that such concessions would undermine its sovereignty and security.
While the UAE talks represent a notable diplomatic milestone, analysts say the deep divides over territorial control and security guarantees will make it challenging to reach a lasting agreement. The conflict, now in its fourth year, continues to strain international relationships and drive efforts by global actors to find a peaceful resolution.
