Russia, Ukraine begin talks in Abu Dhabi aimed at ending war as key demands remain
Talks resume in Abu Dhabi
President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner said he and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff were working toward a negotiated solution. Kushner said the goal included lasting peace and conditions for a sovereign, secure and prosperous Ukraine in a more stable European security environment.
Territory and security demands
Putin has previously called for Ukraine to withdraw troops from Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. Moscow illegally annexed those four regions in September 2022 but never fully captured them.
Ukraine seeks ceasefire first
Ukraine says an immediate ceasefire is needed before negotiations on a broader settlement can begin. It has also argued that territorial issues can be resolved only in a direct meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy.
Earlier diplomacy stalled
The three countries held three other rounds of trilateral talks in January and February this year. Diplomatic efforts largely stalled after Trump launched a war on Iran. Since then, Witkoff and Kushner have held separate meetings with Putin and Zelenskyy.
Key points
- The United States, Russia and Ukraine began talks in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
- Putin has demanded Ukrainian withdrawals from four regions and changes to Ukraine’s security and domestic policies.
- Ukraine says a ceasefire should come before wider negotiations and calls for a direct Putin-Zelenskyy meeting on territory.
- Earlier trilateral talks took place in January and February, but diplomatic efforts later stalled.