Abu Dhabi talks make progress, next round planned — Witkoff
Photo: US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff (Getty Images)
Trilateral Ukraine-US-Russia talks concluded in Abu Dhabi, with all parties agreeing to continue next week—a key step for advancing a peaceful resolution to the conflict, according to Steve Witkoff, US Special Presidential Envoy.
"On Friday and Saturday, the United States coordinated a trilateral meeting alongside Ukraine and Russia, graciously hosted by the United Arab Emirates. Talks were very constructive," Witkoff wrote.
He added that the parties agreed to continue conversations next week.
"President Trump and his entire team are dedicated to bringing peace to this war," the envoy added.
Abu Dhabi talks
The talks kicked off on January 23, with delegations from Ukraine, Russia, and the US. Ukraine's delegation was led by National Security and Defense Council secretary Rustem Umerov.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the talks' primary focus was the territorial issues, particularly the situation in Donbas. Ahead of the meetings, the Kremlin stated that it considers the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donbas to be one of its key conditions.
Before the talks, Zelenskyy held consultations with the Ukrainian negotiating team. After the first day, Umerov shared some details, while Reuters reported that the parties focused mainly on territorial issues but reached no compromise.
On January 24, the Ukrainian leader stated that the delegations discussed a wide range of topics and described the talks as constructive. Reports indicate that the day included not only trilateral meetings between Ukraine, the US, and Russia but also direct bilateral talks between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations.
According to sources, talks between delegations in Abu Dhabi yielded greater progress on military issues, while territorial questions remain unresolved.
