Trilateral Peace Talks Between Russia, Ukraine, and US Conclude in Abu Dhabi Without Concrete Breakthrough

Kyiv. The first trilateral peace talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States in Abu Dhabi have concluded without any concrete achievements. The talks ended inconclusively as hostilities continue between both sides. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has hinted at the possibility of a second meeting early next week. A US official stated that a new round of talks would commence on February 1.

The two-day talks concluded as Russian airstrikes continued to target Ukraine's already severely damaged energy infrastructure, resulting in one death and 35 injuries, according to reports. Meanwhile, Russia has accused Ukraine of attacking an ambulance in Ukrainian territory under Russian control, claiming the attack killed three medics. It was also reported that Ukrainian missile strikes hit energy infrastructure in Belgorod. However, the BBC has not been able to independently verify these claims.

This marks the first trilateral meeting in Abu Dhabi since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. “The focus of the discussions was on potential parameters for ending the war,” Zelensky wrote on the microblogging website X. “I highly value the understanding of the need for US monitoring and oversight in the process of ending the war and ensuring real security,” he added.

A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the next round of talks would begin next Sunday in Abu Dhabi itself. According to the BBC, the official said there were positive signals to move the talks forward and significant progress was made during the two days of discussions. Russia remains open to continuing talks with Russia, Ukraine, and the US, according to Russia's state news agency RIA-Novosti.