Negotiators from Russia, Ukraine and the United States met in Abu Dhabi on Friday (23 January) for the first direct talks on a peace plan advanced by Donald Trump to end the war, now entering its fourth year.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said territory remains the central dispute, as Moscow maintains demands that Kyiv withdraw from the eastern Donbas region.
Ukraine’s chief negotiator Rustem Umerov said discussions focused on the framework and sequencing of negotiations, with further meetings scheduled.
Key developments:
• Russia reaffirmed its position, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov insisting withdrawal from Donbas is a “key condition”.
• Ukraine rejected these terms, stressing sovereignty and security guarantees.
• Talks coincided with large-scale Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure.
• Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused Moscow of escalating attacks during diplomacy.
Diplomatic momentum has increased, but positions on territory remain sharply opposed.
ℹ️ (FRANCE 24 with AFP)
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