Abu Dhabi Talks: Russia and Ukraine End First Day of Negotiations
US envoys describe the two-day session as productive, while European leaders seek a formal role in the security framework.
By Ricardo Brooks ·
Ukrainian and Russian negotiators finished the first day of face-to-face talks in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. The two-day session marks the first direct meeting between officials from the two countries since February. These discussions aim to resolve the all-out war that has continued for nearly five years. The outcome of the day remained unclear, with no immediate announcement of a breakthrough.
The conflict began with a full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022. Since then, the war has become Europe's largest and bloodiest land war since World War II. Casualties are estimated to exceed 1.5 million dead and wounded Russian soldiers. Russian forces continue to seek control of the entire eastern Donbas region. Ukrainian troops have fought to a near standstill, sometimes retaking territory while sustaining massive losses.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with his Ukrainian counterpart in Paris during a G7 meeting. He described the Abu Dhabi talks as very productive. Rubio stated that the trilateral format should eventually include European partners at the table. He argued that these nations are essential for a long-term solution to the conflict.
US envoy Steve Witkoff said the discussions would build on existing European security institutions. Jared Kushner, another main US envoy, told reporters that Washington had narrowed the gaps toward a solution. Kushner did not provide specific details on the progress made. Russian officials have not shown signs of backing off their hard-line demands. Vladimir Medinsky, a former culture minister and revisionist historian, heads the Russian delegation. The group also includes top officers from Russian intelligence agencies.
Rustem Umerov leads the Ukrainian delegation. He said Kyiv is focused on securing guarantees and lasting peace. Washington has asked Moscow to accept security guarantees modeled on NATO's central clauses. One such clause stipulates that an attack on one member is an attack on all. Moscow has demanded to block Ukraine's potential entry into NATO. The alliance maintains that no single country should veto another's aspirations.
German, French, and British officials, along with Italy, NATO, and the European Union, are participating in the process. Their initial consultations with US representatives occurred separately from the trilateral negotiations. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters in Moscow that defining clear parameters for a future security architecture is reasonable. He suggested this step should precede the resolution of the actual conflict.
Russian forces continue a near-daily aerial barrage on Ukrainian cities and towns. These attacks destroy energy and heating infrastructure. The damage raises the possibility of a brutal winter for Ukrainian civilians. The second day of talks is scheduled to proceed in Abu Dhabi.
