Abu Dhabi Trilateral Talks on Ukraine War End Without Breakthrough

Trilateral discussions involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States have concluded in Abu Dhabi after two days of negotiations aimed at ending the nearly five-year conflict. While American representatives noted some openings during the sessions, no major breakthroughs were announced. However, both Ukrainian and Russian officials confirmed that a significant exchange of prisoners of war is currently being prepared and could occur in the near future.

The Abu Dhabi meeting marked the first round of talks between the parties since February. Davyd Arakhamia, a member of the Ukrainian negotiating team, described the sessions as exceptionally difficult, noting that the Russian delegation arrived with strict directives. Despite the challenges, Arakhamia reported positive momentum and called for a follow-up meeting as soon as possible. Kyrylo Budanov, chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and a key negotiator, also acknowledged the tough nature of the dialogue, stating that Ukraine's primary objective remains preventing future Russian attacks.

Divergent Views on Post-War Security Architecture

The discussions focused heavily on the future security architecture of Europe. American negotiator Jared Kushner stated that the U.S. aims to establish a new framework involving Ukraine, Russia, and Europe to ensure long-term peace. Kremlin negotiator Vladimir Medinsky called for a new security system, comparing the potential framework to the 1940s Yalta and Potsdam conferences that defined post-war spheres of influence. Medinsky also expressed a less conciliatory stance, remarking that progress depends on Ukraine, the U.S., and Europe.

For Ukraine, security assurances include guarantees of aid from allies if attacked again, even without formal NATO membership. Conversely, Moscow seeks to limit NATO's influence in Eastern Europe. Disagreements also persist over the timing of a potential end to hostilities; European nations and Ukraine advocate for a ceasefire before finalizing security agreements, whereas Moscow insists that fighting will only cease after a full agreement is established.

Diplomatic Steps and Territorial Obstacles

Following the Abu Dhabi summit, U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are scheduled to travel to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, followed by a trip to Dublin to hold discussions with President Zelensky. Kushner noted that bringing European nations into the formal negotiation format will be addressed during the meeting with Putin. Representatives from the United Kingdom, NATO, and several European Union member states were present in Abu Dhabi and met with U.S. and Ukrainian delegates, though Russian officials reported no direct contact with European representatives.

Territorial disputes remain a primary obstacle to achieving peace, particularly concerning Ukraine's largely occupied Donetsk region. Ukraine seeks to freeze the current line of contact to protect its remaining territory. In contrast, Medinsky reiterated Russia's demand for full control over the region, asserting that the area would be returned to Russia. Kushner emphasized that resolving territorial claims and bilateral issues remains the most difficult aspect of the negotiations, exacerbated by a total lack of trust between the warring nations.