Russian, Ukrainian and US negotiators will hold talks in the United Arab Emirates later today, marking the first meeting attended by all three countries since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion nearly four years ago.
The Kremlin confirmed that Russian officials would participate in the talks following a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and US envoys in Moscow.
Russia described the recent talks as 'useful in every respect', but maintained that a long-term peace deal could only be reached once territorial issues were addressed.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky views the Abu Dhabi discussions as 'a step - hopefully towards ending the war.'
Present at a previous meeting with Putin were three US representatives, including Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov described the discussions as 'substantive, constructive, and very frank', reiterating that durable peace cannot be achieved without resolving territorial claims.
'Until this is achieved, Russia will continue to pursue the objectives of the special military operation,' he stated.
Ushakov underscored that Russia is sincerely seeking a diplomatic resolution, but emphasized that without addressing territorial issues as per previously agreed frameworks, achieving long-term peace would remain elusive.
Witkoff previously mentioned that Russia tentatively agreed to allow the US and Europe to provide Ukraine with substantial security guarantees as part of a potential peace settlement.
In Davos, Zelensky clarified that discussions about the future status of territories in eastern Ukraine remain unresolved ahead of the Abu Dhabi talks. 'It's all about the land. This is the issue that is not solved yet,' he emphasized, demanding that 'the Russians must be ready for compromises, not only Ukraine.'
Important sticking points include Russia's insistence that Ukraine relinquish control of the 25% of the Donetsk region that remains under Kyiv's control.
The head of Ukraine's national security council, Rustem Umerov, negotiated with US officials recently and will join the delegation in the UAE along with top negotiators.
On the Russian side, the talks will be led by General Igor Kostyukov from Russia's GRU military intelligence agency.
Overnight, both sides reported drone attacks, with Ukraine's infrastructure facing significant threats amidst freezing temperatures.
