The tripartite talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. in Abu Dhabi have ended without any breakthrough, but both sides agreed to exchange a large number of prisoners of war.
Foreign news agencies report that the three-party talks among Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, aimed at ending the nearly five-year-long war, concluded after two days of discussions. Although the U.S. side noted seeing “good avenues for agreement,” there was still no sign of a breakthrough to end the war.
However, both Moscow and Kyiv confirmed they would proceed with a large prisoner exchange, which could happen soon.
David Arakhamia from Ukraine’s negotiation team said this was “one of the most difficult talks,” as Russia participated under very strict orders. Still, he saw “positive momentum” and hoped for a swift second round of talks.
Meanwhile, Vladimir Medinsky from Russia’s negotiation team took an uncompromising stance, saying, “Now it depends on Ukraine, the U.S. position, and whether Europe regains its senses,” insisting that every inch of the Donbas region “must return to Russia.”
The Donbas region, comprising Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk provinces, has been a sticking point in Ukraine-Russia talks. Ukraine wants to freeze the front lines to keep control of remaining areas, but Russia insists Ukraine must withdraw completely and cede Donbas territory it once controlled to Russia.
Jared Kushner, the U.S. special envoy who joined the talks, acknowledged that territorial issues are the toughest and said both sides “have no trust at all” currently, which is normal after such intense conflict.
The meeting also focused on a new European security framework, with Ukraine seeking guarantees that allies would come to its aid if attacked in the future, even though it is not a NATO member.
Russia, on the other hand, wants to limit NATO’s influence in Eastern Europe. Vladimir Medinsky likened the new security framework to a “new Yalta and Potsdam conference,” referring to post-World War II meetings where superpowers divided spheres of influence in Europe.
Kushner previously said the U.S. hopes to create a “new security framework” among Ukraine, Russia, and Europe that could lead to lasting peace.
Meanwhile, Europe is trying to reengage in Ukraine-Russia negotiations after being sidelined earlier by Donald Trump and Russia, as European security is seen as tied to Ukraine’s security. A German government spokesperson emphasized that any agreement must have unanimous NATO approval to be enforceable.
Representatives from the U.K., NATO, and several European Union countries traveled to Abu Dhabi and met with U.S. and Ukrainian delegates, but Russia refused direct interaction with European representatives.
Following this, U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will travel to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, then head to Dublin to discuss with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Kushner said the U.S. wants to bring Europe back to the negotiation table, which will be among the topics he discusses with Putin.
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Source:bbc