Trilateral Talks on Ending the Russia-Ukraine War Resume in Abu Dhabi

In depth

Trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States resumed in Abu Dhabi for the first time since February. The talks opened with meetings between Ukrainian representatives and representatives of the United States and Europe, ahead of contacts with Russia. The head of the Ukrainian negotiating team, Rustem Umerov, said that meetings would first take place with European and NATO representatives and with the American envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, in order to compare positions and coordinate steps toward the next stage of the negotiations.

France said it would take part in the talks between Russia and Ukraine mediated by the United States in Abu Dhabi, and the French foreign minister announced that European representatives would take part in the talks. According to reports, the US is working to end the war, and the Trump administration seeks to reach a "final end" that would also include discussion of a new security structure between Russia and Europe.

In Washington, there is recognition of Russian flexibility on the territorial issue, but the disagreements remain deep. Russia is expected to demand territorial concessions from Ukraine and restrictions on its military. The talks resumed after nine months of stalemate, and the American envoys will discuss providing security guarantees to Ukraine.