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By Mandy Taheri
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called two days of U.S.-Ukraine-Russia talks “constructive” as the sides seek an agreement to end the nearly four-year war in Ukraine.
Why It Matters
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.
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The talks, held in the United Arab Emirates, were the "first format of this kind in quite some time," Zelensky wrote in an X post, noting that Trump administration officials sat down with both Ukrainian and Russian representatives in the same talks.
In February 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with Moscow previously annexing Crimea in 2014. The U.S. has provided Ukraine at least $66.9 billion in military assistance in the war. However, the U.S. approach has shifted under Trump who shares closer ties with Putin than the previous administration.
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What To Know
“All sides agreed to report back in their capitals on each aspect of the negotiations and to coordinate further steps with their leaders,” Zelensky wrote in a Saturday X post after announcing the conclusion of the talks.
The talks brought together U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, Ukrainian officials, including chief negotiator Rustem Umerov and military intelligence head Kyrylo Budanov, as well as Russian military intelligence and army representatives, according to the Associate Press.
Zelensky said "the central focus of the discussions was the possible parameters for ending the war. I highly value the understanding of the need for American monitoring and oversight of the process of ending the war and ensuring genuine security."
While the peace talks were ongoing, Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha wrote in an X post, “Cynically, Putin ordered a brutal massive missile strike against Ukraine right while delegations are meeting in Abu Dhabi to advance the America-led peace process. His missiles hit not only our people, but also the negotiation table. Two of the largest cities, Kyiv and Kharkiv, shook from loud explosions. Dozens of ballistic and air ballistic missiles were used, as well as hundreds of drones.”
He also noted that at least one person was killed in the attacks.
Trump has led negotiation efforts to end the war, having pledged in his most recent presidential campaign that he would resolve the conflict on his first day back in office.
As of yet, Moscow and Kyiv have not finalized a peace deal. The most recent known proposal appears to grant Russia expanded control over two eastern Ukrainian territories in exchange for security guarantees for Ukraine and Europe. Territorial sovereignty has been at the crux of the war, and Ukraine has repeatedly rejected the notion of giving up its land, which is seen as a major concession.
What People Are Saying
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, David van Weel, wrote in an X post: “While peace talks are underway in the UAE, Russia is only escalating its terror. A massive drone and missile attack on Kyiv and Kharkiv left 1.2 million Ukrainians without power and heating. More air defence and energy support now. More pressure on Moscow to end its war now.”
José Manuel Albares, minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain, wrote in Spanish in an X post: “I condemn the launch of Russian ballistic missiles and drones against Ukraine, which have struck civilian targets, causing deaths and deepening the energy crisis. These are unacceptable violations of International Law. Spain is working for a just and lasting peace.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a speech at Davos: “Russians have to be ready for compromises because, you know, everybody has to be ready, not only Ukraine."
President Donald Trump said at the World Economic Forum on Wednesday: "I think Russia wants to make a deal, I think Ukraine wants to make a deal. And we're going to try getting a deal done...I believe they're at a point now where they can come together and get a deal done. And if they don't, they're stupid. That goes for both of them. And I know they're not stupid. But if they don't get this done, they are stupid...You got to get this deal done. Too many people are dying. It's not worth it."
Kirill Dmitriev, a top Kremlin envoy, wrote in a January 22 X post: "Important Russia–US discussion in the Kremlin today. President Putin received Peacemakers Steven Witkoff, Jared Kushner and Josh Gruenbaum. President aide Yury Ushakov and myself also participated."
What Happens Next
Details of the negotiations and potential forthcoming agreements are expected to be revealed soon.
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