Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. Hold Talks in Abu Dhabi on Donbas and Peace

Post by : Saif Nasser

Ukraine, Russia, and the United States met in Abu Dhabi this week for high-level talks aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine that has lasted nearly four years. The discussions focused on the future of Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region, a major sticking point in peace negotiations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the Donbas issue would be central to the talks. The United Arab Emirates described the meetings as an effort to promote dialogue and find political solutions to the war. The White House called the talks “productive,” while noting that many challenges remain.

Just hours before the Abu Dhabi meeting, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Moscow. Russia insisted that for a peace deal to succeed, Ukrainian troops must withdraw from areas in the east that Russia annexed but has not fully captured.

Zelenskyy, after meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump in Davos, Switzerland, said that peace proposals are nearly ready. He also suggested the creation of a free trade zone under Ukrainian control in the east, which he said could help businesses.

The talks in Abu Dhabi marked the first known occasion where officials from the Trump administration met simultaneously with representatives from both Ukraine and Russia. Zelenskyy said the Ukrainian team provided updates almost hourly and emphasized that Russia must also show a willingness to end the war it started.

Kremlin officials confirmed the talks focused on security issues, with Russian demands for a withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donbas described as “important.” Russian officials also discussed buffer zones and control measures, while U.S. representatives included military and NATO leaders.

The war has caused significant losses for both sides. Russia has captured around 20% of Ukrainian territory since 2014, with the full-scale invasion in 2022 resulting in heavy military and economic costs. Ukraine faces shortages in money, troops, and equipment, despite increased domestic arms production. Reports indicate up to 200,000 troop desertions and around 2 million draft dodgers.

Zelenskyy also criticized Europe for slow action, limited defense spending, and failure to enforce sanctions on Russia. He highlighted the need for Europe to strengthen its security and act decisively, contrasting it with bold U.S. actions on global issues.

While the Abu Dhabi talks are an important step toward peace, many obstacles remain. Negotiators must find agreement on territorial control, security guarantees, and economic measures. The outcome will shape the future of Ukraine and could influence broader international relations.