Zelensky says 'too early' to judge trilateral Abu Dhabi talks

Amanda Castro Hannah Parry

By Amanda Castro and Hannah Parry

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday it is “too early” to draw conclusions from the first day of trilateral talks with the U.S. and Russia in Abu Dhabi, stressing that progress depends on Moscow’s willingness to end the war. The talks come amid heightened U.S. efforts to broker an end to the war and finalize security guarantees for Kyiv, while disputes over frozen Russian assets and post-war reconstruction remain unresolved.

What to Know:

Zelensky said security guarantees for Ukraine have been finalized, with a deal on recovery nearly ready.
“It is still too early to draw conclusions about the content of today’s negotiations – we will see how the talks go tomorrow and what the results will be. It is necessary that not only Ukraine wants to end this war and achieve complete security, but that a similar desire somehow arises in Russia as well,” he said in a daily address.
Trump and Zelensky met in Davos, describing their talks as “productive” and “substantive.”
Russia’s TASS reported Putin hosted U.S. envoys at the Kremlin ahead of the trilateral meeting.
Ukraine rejected Russia’s proposal to use frozen assets for reconstruction on Russian territory.
Discussions will cover territory disputes and control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
NATO’s Rutte praised peace efforts but stressed Ukraine still needs military support.
Russian attacks this week left thousands in Kyiv without power and heat in freezing conditions.

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Jan 23, 2026 at 04:10 PM EST

Russia expands use of Starlink on strike drones

Russia is increasingly fitting Starlink satellite terminals onto its Shahed and Molniya drones to evade Ukraine’s air defenses, according to a report by Spiegel. Ukrainian Defense Intelligence (HUR) said the devices are being installed during attacks on civilian infrastructure, enabling drones to operate with greater independence.

Military analyst Thomas Withington of the Royal United Services Institute explained that Starlink provides drones with navigation that does not rely on traditional satellite systems such as GPS or GLONASS, which are vulnerable to jamming. Starlink’s narrow-beam, high-frequency signals are harder to disrupt, allowing operators to track and adjust drone flight paths in real time.

Russian drones also use mobile SIM cards to create communication networks within swarms, sharing tactical data and countermeasure alerts. The Institute for the Study of War recently noted that Molniya-2 drones have been equipped with Starlink systems, signaling Moscow’s effort to scale up this technology in its campaign against Ukraine.

Jan 23, 2026 at 03:58 PM EST

Italy’s Tajani criticizes Zelensky’s Davos remarks on EU support

Italian Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky failed to show sufficient gratitude to the European Union during his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Speaking at the Italy‑Germany business forum in Rome, Tajani argued that Europe has guaranteed Ukraine’s independence and provided extensive political, financial and military backing. “Therefore, I think that his speech was not generous [to Europe],” he remarked.

Zelensky, addressing the WEF on Thursday, had criticized the EU, saying European leaders lacked the “political will” to confront Russia. His comments drew pushback from Tajani, who underscored the scale of European support since the start of the war.

Jan 23, 2026 at 03:47 PM EST

Ukraine orders 18 new IRIS-T air defense systems

Ukraine has placed an order for 18 modern IRIS‑T air defense systems from German manufacturer Diehl Defence to bolster its frontline defenses, the company's CEO, Helmut Rauch, announced on January 23. The country already operates nine IRIS‑T launchers, which have been used to shield critical infrastructure from Russian missile and drone attacks.

Rauch highlighted that the IRIS‑T SLM and SLS systems are among Europe’s most advanced, capable of intercepting cruise missiles and Iranian‑made Shahed drones. German officials have described the IRIS‑T as one of the most effective Western systems in Ukraine’s arsenal, noting its maneuverability and ability to strike targets head‑on or in pursuit.

Diehl Defence plans to expand production to meet rising demand, aiming for 16 launchers within two years and up to 10 more by 2026. Missile output has already increased tenfold since 2021, and the company is developing a longer‑range IRIS‑T SLX missile, expected to enter serial production in 2029.

The order comes as part of broader defense cooperation between Kyiv and Berlin, including a €1.2 billion package agreed in December that covers drones and artillery systems. Ukraine estimates its defense needs at $120 billion for 2026, half of which it hopes to secure from international partners.

Jan 23, 2026 at 03:32 PM EST

First Trilateral Talks in Abu Dhabi Held Behind Closed Doors

The opening rounds of trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States in Abu Dhabi are being conducted in a strictly closed format, Russia’s state news agency TASS reported Friday.

According to a source cited by TASS, no media will be allowed to attend the sessions, which are intended to provide space for candid exchanges.

Jan 23, 2026 at 03:17 PM EST

French Navy redirects sanctioned Russian tanker for probe

French naval forces have escorted a Russian oil tanker to the port of Marseille-Fos after detaining it in the Mediterranean, according to sources familiar with the investigation.

The vessel, sailing under a Comoros flag, was stopped shortly after passing through the Strait of Gibraltar. Officials suspect it was operating under a false identity and may be part of Russia’s so‑called “shadow fleet,” used to move sanctioned oil.

The tanker had already been blacklisted under European Union restrictions. Authorities in Marseille are expected to examine its cargo and documentation as part of efforts to enforce sanctions targeting Moscow’s energy trade.

Jan 23, 2026 at 03:00 PM EST

Analyst says Abu Dhabi talks unlikely to yield any major developments

The trilateral meeting in Abu Dhabi between Russia, Ukraine and the United States is unlikely to produce immediate progress, according to New York Times chief correspondent for Europe Steve Erlanger. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Erlanger said the most realistic outcome would be an agreement to hold further talks, noting that Moscow’s demands over the Donbas region remain unchanged.

He explained that Russia continues to insist on full control of the Donbas, despite not having conquered all of it. Erlanger added that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff has floated a proposal to designate the region as a “free economic zone,” with Ukrainian forces pulling back while Russian troops stay in place.

Territorial disputes remain the central obstacle, Erlanger stressed, warning that until the issue is resolved, “nothing’s going to move forward.”

Jan 23, 2026 at 02:46 PM EST

Medvedchuk dismisses Zelensky’s Davos trip as ‘performance’

Viktor Medvedchuk, head of the Other Ukraine movement and former leader of the banned Opposition Platform – For Life party, sharply criticized President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Medvedchuk described the visit as little more than a staged performance, claiming Zelensky anticipated rejection and indifference from Western leaders and avoided direct engagement.

He also derided Zelensky’s meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, saying the encounter left the Ukrainian leader weakened and without results. According to Medvedchuk, Zelensky’s subsequent criticism of Europe and NATO reflected misplaced bravado and unrealistic promises of protection.

Medvedchuk argued that Zelensky’s rhetoric amounted to a “primitive bluff,” while Ukraine faces dire conditions both domestically and on the battlefield. He concluded that Western diplomacy remains ineffective, portraying the Davos trip as a spectacle with no tangible consequences.

Jan 23, 2026 at 02:45 PM EST

Zelensky: Too early to judge Abu Dhabi talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky cautioned Friday that it is premature to draw conclusions from the first day of trilateral negotiations with the United States and Russia in Abu Dhabi. In his daily address, Zelensky said the talks will continue Saturday and stressed that progress depends on Moscow’s willingness to end the war.

He noted that Ukraine’s delegation is discussing parameters for ending the conflict and emphasized that Kyiv’s position remains clear. “The main thing is for Russia to finally be ready to end the war,” Zelensky said, adding that he has set the framework for dialogue with negotiators.

Jan 23, 2026 at 02:29 PM EST

Ukraine targets Russian oil depot in overnight strike

Ukraine’s military said Friday it carried out another strike on Russian energy infrastructure, hitting the Penzanefteprodukt oil depot in the western Penza region. The attack sparked a fire, though the extent of the damage has not yet been confirmed.

The General Staff also reported strikes on a radar station in occupied Crimea, as well as Russian forces in the occupied Donetsk region and Russia’s Belgorod region.

Jan 23, 2026 at 02:14 PM EST

Territory seen as central issue in UAE trilateral talks

As trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States continue in Abu Dhabi, little has been disclosed about the agenda. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said territorial concessions are likely to dominate discussions, while the Kremlin described the gathering as a “working group on security issues.” Separate economic talks are expected between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian representative Kirill Dmitriev.

Both sides acknowledge that any peace deal hinges on the unresolved question of control over eastern Ukraine. Zelensky told reporters the fate of the Donbas region is “key,” while Kremlin officials reiterated demands that Kyiv withdraw its forces from territory Russia annexed in 2022 but never fully secured.

Russia has captured about 20 percent of Ukraine since hostilities began in 2014, though its advances have come at heavy cost and amid mounting economic strain from sanctions. Moscow insists territorial issues must be settled before a long‑term agreement can be reached, while Kyiv continues to press Western partners for binding security guarantees to prevent future invasions.

Jan 23, 2026 at 01:59 PM EST

Analyst calls UAE trilateral talks a significant step

The first trilateral meeting between Russia, Ukraine and the United States in Abu Dhabi is being described as a modest but meaningful development in efforts to address the war. Steven Erlanger, chief diplomatic correspondent for The New York Times, told Al Jazeera the talks are significant because they bring all three parties into the same room for the first time.

Erlanger noted the meeting is not at the level of national leaders, which he said would only occur if a peace deal were close. He explained that Kyiv has long sought such a format, working closely with Washington in recent weeks on a proposal to present to Moscow.

Russian officials, however, remain skeptical, Erlanger added, suggesting the talks may reveal more clearly where Moscow stands on key issues.

Jan 23, 2026 at 01:46 PM EST

Kyiv struggles to restore heat amid energy crisis

Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko said Friday that 1,200 multi‑storey buildings in the capital remain without heating as the city battles the effects of Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

Klitschko noted that public utilities and energy companies are working to restore heat to affected households, but the scale of damage has left many residents enduring freezing winter conditions. The outages highlight the continuing strain on Ukraine’s power grid, which has been repeatedly targeted in recent weeks.

Jan 23, 2026 at 01:34 PM EST

Ukrainians urged to conserve power amid crisis

As freezing temperatures grip Ukraine, authorities have urged citizens to use electricity sparingly while repairs are carried out on damaged facilities. Ukrenergo said restoration work should allow emergency restrictions to be lifted in the coming days, returning most regions to scheduled hourly outages.

The appeal comes as Russian strikes intensify, leaving millions struggling with heating and power shortages. Officials say rational use of electricity is critical to easing pressure on the grid until repairs are complete.

Jan 23, 2026 at 01:20 PM EST

Emergency repairs underway to prevent blackouts

Ukrenergo reported that several power generation units had to be taken offline for emergency repairs after sustaining heavy damage from repeated Russian strikes. The surviving equipment is operating under extreme overload, the company said, raising fears of long‑term system failure.

Without repairs, Ukrenergo warned, the grid could face uncontrolled outages. Crews are working to stabilize facilities, with restoration expected soon at some sites. The operator stressed that repairs are essential to keep the system functioning under continued assault.

Jan 23, 2026 at 01:01 PM EST

Ukraine energy grid hit hard by Russian strikes

Ukraine’s state energy operator Ukrenergo said Friday that massive Russian missile and drone attacks have severely damaged power plants and substations, worsening the country’s energy crisis. The company warned that the situation has “significantly” deteriorated, with emergency outages spreading across multiple regions.

Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal described Thursday as the most difficult day for Ukraine’s grid since the widespread blackouts of 2022, when Russia began targeting infrastructure. Ukrenergo said several generation facilities are now undergoing urgent repairs to prevent uncontrolled blackouts.

Jan 23, 2026 at 12:49 PM EST

Trilateral talks to go on for two days in Abu Dhabi on Ukraine war

The United Arab Emirates confirmed Friday that Russia, Ukraine and the United States have opened their first trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi.

The discussions, set to run for two days, are aimed at fostering dialogue and exploring political solutions to the ongoing conflict, according to the UAE’s state news agency WAM.

Jan 23, 2026 at 12:34 PM EST

EU to send hundreds of generators to Ukraine amid energy crisis

The European Union announced Friday it will deliver 447 emergency generators to Ukraine to help restore electricity and heating after weeks of Russian strikes on the country’s energy infrastructure. Valued at $4.3 million, the equipment is intended to support hospitals, shelters and other critical services.

Ukraine has been hit by severe frost since early January, with temperatures plunging well below zero. Russian attacks have left millions without power or heat, worsening the humanitarian situation.

The latest shipment brings the total to more than 9,500 generators that the EU has supplied since the war began nearly four years ago.

Jan 23, 2026 at 12:19 PM EST

Ukraine faces emergency power outages after Russian strikes

Ukraine’s state grid operator Ukrenergo reported Friday that emergency power outages have hit most regions following Russia’s latest aerial assault. The company said the overall energy situation has “significantly” worsened, with multiple generation facilities undergoing urgent repairs.

Ukrenergo warned that equipment is running at maximum capacity, with power blocks under “tremendous” strain due to damage from earlier strikes. The outages come as Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, leaving many residents without heating or electricity amid freezing winter conditions.

Jan 23, 2026 at 12:06 PM EST

Moscow sees UAE talks as key but disputes remain

For Moscow, today’s trilateral summit in Abu Dhabi carries weight as Russia, Ukraine and the United States meet face‑to‑face despite deep divisions. Russian officials describe the gathering as a “technical meeting,” with delegates arriving under direct instructions from President Vladimir Putin.

The talks follow a four‑hour session between Putin and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, which ended without agreement on two central issues: territorial control and security guarantees. Russia insists Ukraine withdraw from the Donbas, a demand Kyiv has rejected outright.

As discussions begin, territorial disputes in eastern Ukraine remain the focal point. While expectations are tempered, Russian officials acknowledge hopes that the summit could open a path toward ending the conflict.

Jan 23, 2026 at 11:53 AM EST

Pushilin says Russian advance accelerates in northern DPR

Russian forces have stepped up their offensive in the north of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), including toward Slavyansk, DPR head Denis Pushilin said Friday at the “Knowledge. State” forum in Moscow. He noted that the pace of operations has increased since the capture of Seversk, which President Vladimir Putin was informed had come under Russian control in December.

Pushilin added that securing northern territories could restore access to water supplies feeding the Seversky Donets‑Donbass canal, which has been blocked by Ukrainian forces. He described the daily expansion of Russian‑held areas as a sign of momentum in the campaign.

The remarks came during the opening of the second “Knowledge. State” forum, attended by more than 3,000 civil servants, aimed at strengthening the role of public service in safeguarding Russia’s sovereignty and stability.

Jan 23, 2026 at 11:38 AM EST

Russia reports gains and strikes in Ukraine over past week

Russia’s Defense Ministry said Friday its forces captured five settlements between January 17 and 23 in the Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia regions and the Donetsk People’s Republic. The ministry cited advances by battlegroups North, South, Center, East and Dnepr, including control of Siminovka in Kharkiv and Novopavlovka in Donetsk.

Moscow also reported six precision strikes on Ukrainian military‑industrial sites and energy infrastructure, claiming they targeted drone facilities, ammunition depots and transport hubs. According to the ministry, Russian units inflicted heavy losses on Ukrainian forces across multiple fronts, with Battlegroup Center alone reporting nearly 3,000 casualties.

Air defenses were said to have intercepted 1,468 Ukrainian drones and 47 HIMARS rockets during the week. Overall, Russia claims to have destroyed more than 110,000 Ukrainian drones since the start of the war.

Jan 23, 2026 at 11:24 AM EST

Italy’s Tajani criticizes Zelensky’s Davos remarks on EU support

Jan 23, 2026 at 11:09 AM EST

WATCH: Trump believes Putin and Zelensky both ‘want to make a deal’ to end the war

Jan 23, 2026 at 10:55 AM EST

Zelensky says security guarantees with us ready for signing

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Friday that security guarantees for Ukraine have been finalized and are awaiting a date and location from U.S. President Donald Trump for formal signing. Speaking at a press conference, Zelensky described his recent meeting with Trump and his team as “positive,” noting that air defense support was also discussed and will be announced once delivered.

Zelensky said the agreement on security guarantees has already been prepared, with only technical details and additional documents left to coordinate. He emphasized that the accord must be ratified by both the U.S. Congress and Ukraine’s parliament, but stressed the framework is complete.

“Now I am waiting for Trump to provide the date and place. We are ready to sign such an important and historic document,” Zelensky said.

Ukraine expects the framework to be signed following the World Economic Forum in Davos. The guarantees cover land, air and sea security, with Britain and France reportedly considering troop deployments if a peace deal is reached.

Jan 23, 2026 at 10:41 AM EST

Ukraine launches mission control to digitize drone operations

Ukraine has introduced Mission Control, a new drone management system within its DELTA combat ecosystem, to automate frontline operations and reduce bureaucracy. Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said the platform replaces manual reporting with digital records of aircraft type, launch coordinates and mission details, giving commanders real‑time oversight of battlefield activity.

Fedorov emphasized that the system marks a shift from a “paper army” to technological warfare, allowing instant access to performance data and eliminating delays caused by manual reports. He added that similar tools will soon be extended to artillery, enabling monthly ratings and statistics across the armed forces.

Developed over two years, Mission Control is part of Ukraine’s broader effort to modernize its military. The government is also testing a domestically produced drone designed to rival the DJI Mavic, with the goal of reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and ensuring resilience against electronic warfare.

Jan 23, 2026 at 10:28 AM EST

What losing Donbas would mean for Ukraine

President Zelensky has made clear that Ukraine will not permanently surrender territory. International law prohibits conquest by force, and polls show Ukrainians overwhelmingly oppose giving up land.

Still, Kyiv has signaled it may accept a ceasefire that freezes the conflict along current front lines, prioritizing an end to bloodshed over short-term territorial gains.

Jan 23, 2026 at 10:15 AM EST

Russia’s struggle to seize Donbas

Despite superior numbers and firepower, Russia has failed to fully capture the Donbas. Nearly all of Luhansk is under Russian control, but only 70 percent of Donetsk has been seized.

Ukraine holds two‑thirds of the remaining territory, with fierce battles continuing in contested zones. Western analysts estimate Russia could need another 18 months to take the rest, at enormous cost in lives and resources.

Jan 23, 2026 at 10:02 AM EST

Origins of the conflict

The current war dates back to 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea and backed separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk. Moscow supplied fighters with weapons, intelligence, and advisers, while denying direct involvement.

The conflict escalated with the downing of flight MH17 by a Russian‑made missile, killing 298 civilians. For eight years, a low‑intensity war simmered in the Donbas before Russia’s full‑scale invasion in 2022.

Jan 23, 2026 at 09:49 AM EST

Putin’s claim to Donbas

Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly argued that Ukraine is part of “historical Russia,” dismissing its sovereignty since 1991. He has accused Kyiv of committing “genocide” against Russian speakers, despite a lack of evidence.

With its large Russian‑speaking population, the Donbas has been central to Moscow’s efforts to destabilize Ukraine since 2014, when separatist movements first gained traction with Russian support.

Jan 23, 2026 at 09:35 AM EST

What to know about Donbas

The Donbas region, comprising Donetsk and Luhansk, was once Ukraine’s industrial powerhouse. Rich in coal, steel production, fertile farmland and mineral deposits, it has long been central to the country’s economy.

Its strategic location near the Sea of Azov makes it vital for trade and transport, highlighting why control of the region has become a defining issue in the war.

Jan 23, 2026 at 09:22 AM EST

Trilateral talks narrow to one issue

Delegations from the United States, Russia and Ukraine are meeting in Abu Dhabi for their first trilateral talks since Russia’s full‑scale invasion in 2022. Despite wide disagreements, all sides acknowledge that only one issue remains unresolved: the fate of the Donbas.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected ceding territory, while Kremlin officials insist no settlement is possible without Ukraine’s withdrawal.

Jan 23, 2026 at 09:09 AM EST

Zelensky consults with delegation ahead of UAE talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday he has spoken by speakerphone with Kyiv’s delegation at the trilateral meeting in the United Arab Emirates, assuring that the team “knows what to do.”

In an audio message to journalists, Zelensky explained that the framework and desired outcome of the talks were discussed during the call. He noted that the format may shift as the dialogue unfolds, emphasizing the rarity of such direct trilateral negotiations.

Zelensky added he will remain in constant contact with the delegation as discussions proceed, underscoring the importance of coordination during the first meeting of its kind in years.

Jan 23, 2026 at 08:58 AM EST

Zelensky Spurs surprise trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi

The first trilateral meeting between Ukraine, Russia and the United States appeared suddenly after President Volodymyr Zelensky floated the idea in Davos, turning a concept U.S. President Donald Trump had raised last year into reality within hours. Whether the Kremlin was caught off guard remains unclear, but Moscow ultimately agreed to attend rather than risk publicly rejecting the process.

The talks, held at what Zelensky described as “negotiator level,” mark a step forward in format. Ukraine has sent a mix of civilian, diplomatic and military officials, while the U.S. delegation includes Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff and White House adviser Josh Gruenbaum. Russia’s team, however, is led not by senior diplomat Yuri Ushakov but by Admiral Igor Kostyukov, head of military intelligence, underscoring Moscow’s preference for a defense‑focused delegation.

Jan 23, 2026 at 08:45 AM EST

Zelensky outlines Ukraine’s delegation for Abu Dhabi talks

President Volodymyr Zelensky has detailed the Ukrainian team that will attend the trilateral peace talks in Abu Dhabi later Friday. The delegation will be led by negotiator Rustem Umerov and include presidential chief of staff Kyrylo Budanov, negotiator David Arakhamia and Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov.

Zelensky said Deputy Head of Military Intelligence Maj. Gen. Vadym Skibitsky would also attend to ensure both military and intelligence perspectives are represented. Diplomatic voices will also be present, including Serhii Kyslytsya, the first deputy head of the presidential office.

Several members of the delegation are traveling directly from the World Economic Forum in Davos to the UAE. The Kremlin has confirmed its delegation will consist solely of military officials.

Jan 23, 2026 at 08:32 AM EST

Trump highlights Ukraine’s struggle in sub-zero cold

U.S. President Donald Trump said Ukrainians are enduring extraordinary hardship as they face winter temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius without heating. Speaking to journalists, Trump praised their resilience, calling it “amazing” but added, “It’s no way to live.” He noted that conditions in parts of Ukraine are even harsher than in Canada.

Trump said he has held several positive meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, though they have not yet produced concrete results. He added that both Kyiv and Moscow appear interested in reaching agreements but declined to comment on possible Russian concessions.

The remarks come as Russian strikes have knocked out power and heating across Ukraine. In Kyiv, nearly 2,000 apartment blocks remain without heat following repeated attacks earlier this month. Authorities have been working to reconnect services, while Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal said the capital will soon move from emergency outages to stricter but more predictable schedules.

Jan 23, 2026 at 08:18 AM EST

Kremlin says nearly $5 billion in assets frozen in US

The Kremlin confirmed Friday that Russian state assets frozen in the United States amount to slightly less than $5 billion. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to provide an exact figure but said the sum was “a little less than $5 billion.”

Peskov noted that $1 billion from those assets has been earmarked for the Board of Peace, a body intended to channel funds toward humanitarian projects in Palestine. He added that the issue was raised during talks between President Vladimir Putin and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday.

Moscow continues to denounce the frozen assets as illegally held, while linking their use to broader diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.

Jan 23, 2026 at 08:05 AM EST

Informal talks begin ahead of first US-Russia-Ukraine negotiations

Informal discussions are underway in Abu Dhabi between delegations from Ukraine, Russia and the United States, Sky News reports. Formal negotiations are expected to begin later Friday evening, marking the first direct trilateral peace talks since Russia’s invasion in 2022.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previewed the meeting at the World Economic Forum in Davos, while the Kremlin confirmed its participation overnight. Kyiv has dispatched lead negotiator Rustem Umerov and chief of staff Kyrylo Budanov, while Moscow has sent Admiral Igor Kostyukov to head a team of senior defense officials.

Territorial disputes remain the most contentious issue. Russia is demanding that Ukraine withdraw from 20 percent of Donetsk still under Kyiv’s control, but Zelenskyy has rejected ceding land that Ukrainian forces have defended at high cost.

Jan 23, 2026 at 08:02 AM EST

Donetsk dispute blocks progress in peace talks

The future of Donetsk remains a central obstacle in negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. While Moscow already controls nearly all of neighboring Luhansk, Russian forces have failed to capture the remaining 20 percent of Donetsk still held by Kyiv. President Vladimir Putin insists Ukraine must withdraw from those areas, amounting to roughly 5,000 square kilometers, but President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected the idea of ceding territory.

Earlier proposals from Washington and Moscow that would have required Ukraine to give up land were dismissed by Kyiv and its European allies. Donetsk is one of four regions Russia claimed to annex in 2022 after referendums widely condemned as illegitimate. Most of the international community continues to recognize Donetsk as Ukrainian territory, while Putin argues it belongs to Russia’s “historical lands.”

Jan 23, 2026 at 07:55 AM EST

Royal Navy shadows Russian vessels in English Channel

Britain’s Royal Navy confirmed it shadowed a Russian warship and oil tanker as they transited the English Channel during a two‑day operation. Two patrol ships, backed by a Wildcat helicopter, intercepted the warship Boikiy and tanker MT General Skobelev before passing responsibility to a NATO ally as the vessels continued north.

The mission followed Britain’s support for a French operation to board a sanctioned Russian tanker in the Straits of Gibraltar, part of wider efforts to restrict Moscow’s access to funds for its war in Ukraine.

Officials noted that shadowing missions are routine, designed to safeguard national security and protect critical infrastructure such as undersea cables and pipelines.

Jan 23, 2026 at 07:48 AM EST

EU sends generators to aid Ukraine after energy strikes

The European Commission announced Friday it is deploying 447 emergency generators to Ukraine to help restore electricity and heating to hospitals, shelters and other vital services following recent Russian attacks on energy infrastructure.

Officials said around one million people remain without power, water or heat, with Kyiv suffering the worst damage. Nearly 6,000 apartment blocks in the capital lost central heating, leaving residents unable to cook or use running water.

Authorities have set up emergency tents where people can warm up and charge phones, while many families have resorted to cooking over open fires outside their homes. The EU move underscores the scale of the humanitarian crisis as Ukraine struggles to maintain basic services amid freezing winter temperatures.

Jan 23, 2026 at 07:43 AM EST

Kremlin details Russia’s delegation for UAE trilateral talks

The Kremlin confirmed Friday that Russia’s delegation to the trilateral meeting in Abu Dhabi will be composed solely of officials from the Ministry of Defense. The team, led by Admiral Igor Kostyukov, chief of the General Staff’s Main Directorate, departed Moscow earlier in the day after receiving instructions from President Vladimir Putin.

The talks, set to begin Friday and potentially extend into Saturday, mark the first known meeting involving Russia, the United States and Ukraine since the war began in 2022. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the timing of the session will be finalized once all delegations arrive.

Putin’s envoy Kirill Dmitriev is also scheduled to hold a separate one‑on‑one discussion with U.S. representative Steve Witkoff on economic issues. Peskov declined to elaborate on the agenda but reiterated Moscow’s demand that Ukrainian forces withdraw from the Donbas region, calling it a central condition for progress.

Jan 23, 2026 at 07:39 AM EST

Ukraine, US and Russia to hold first joint talks since invasion

Negotiators from Ukraine, the United States and Russia are set to meet in the United Arab Emirates on Friday, marking the first trilateral talks since Moscow launched its full‑scale invasion in 2022.

The meeting follows a lengthy session in Moscow late Thursday between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov described those discussions as “substantive and frank,” but cautioned that no lasting settlement could be reached without resolving territorial disputes.

Russia’s delegation in Abu Dhabi will be led by Admiral Igor Kostyukov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, while Ukraine’s team will include senior presidential and military officials.

Witkoff, speaking earlier in Davos, suggested negotiations were close to a breakthrough, saying talks had narrowed to a single unresolved issue. European officials later confirmed that the sticking point remains the fate of territory seized during the war.

Trump, Zelensky, Putin

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