Ukrainian leader says trilateral discussions produced agreement on reporting progress to capitals and identified steps toward a possible ceasefire, though key territorial issues remain unresolved.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday that two days of trilateral talks involving Ukraine, Russia, and the United States in Abu Dhabi concluded with what he described as “constructive” discussions on possible parameters for ending the war sparked by Moscow’s invasion nearly four years ago.
The meetings mark the first known instance in which officials from the Trump administration have sat down with representatives from both Kyiv and Moscow as part of Washington’s push to advance a negotiated settlement. Zelenskyy said all three sides agreed to brief their respective capitals on each element of the discussions and to coordinate next steps with national leaders.
“All parties agreed to report to their capitals on each aspect of the negotiations and to coordinate further steps with their leaders,” Zelenskyy wrote in a message posted to Telegram. He said military representatives identified issues for a possible follow-up meeting that could take place as soon as next week.
Zelenskyy added that there was “an understanding of the need for American monitoring and control of the process of ending the war and ensuring real security,” underscoring Kyiv’s insistence on a continued U.S. role in any future settlement.
The U.S. delegation included envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, according to Zelenskyy. Ukraine was represented by chief negotiator Rustem Umerov and military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov, while Russia sent military intelligence and army representatives.
Earlier, the United Arab Emirates’ Foreign Ministry said the talks were part of efforts “to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis,” reflecting Abu Dhabi’s role as host and facilitator.
The discussions followed comments Zelenskyy made Thursday in Davos, Switzerland, where he said a potential peace deal was “nearly ready,” while acknowledging that sensitive issues — particularly territorial questions — remain unresolved. The Kremlin has maintained that any agreement would require Ukraine to withdraw forces from eastern regions that Russia claims to have annexed but does not fully control.
Just hours before the trilateral talks began Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin held extended overnight discussions with Witkoff and Kushner, according to Russian accounts.
The second day of talks coincided with continued fighting on the ground. Russian drone attacks killed one person and wounded four in Kyiv, according to city military administration head Tymur Tkachenko. In Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, drone strikes wounded 27 people, regional head Oleh Syniehubov said.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned the timing of the attacks, writing on X that “Cynically, Putin ordered a brutal massive missile strike against Ukraine right while delegations are meeting in Abu Dhabi to advance the America-led peace process.” He added, “His missiles hit not only our people, but also the negotiation table.”
Despite the ongoing violence, Zelenskyy said the Abu Dhabi talks represented a step toward defining a framework for ending the conflict, with further coordination expected as delegations return to their capitals to consult with political leaders.
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