Zelensky Hopes Historic Ukraine-Russia-US Talks Mark First Step Toward Ending the War
As trilateral negotiations begin in Abu Dhabi, Kyiv’s leader calls for genuine commitment to peace and urges global unity against continued aggression
In a remarkable diplomatic moment, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed cautious optimism that the first-ever trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States could become a meaningful step toward ending the nearly four-year-long war with Moscow. The ground-breaking negotiations — taking place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates — mark the first time representatives from all three sides have sat down together in an attempt to chart a path away from relentless conflict and devastation. �
Yahoo News Australia +1
Zelensky publicly framed the talks as potentially historic, highlighting that while much work remains, the very fact that such a dialogue has begun is itself a sign that progress may be possible. Speaking before the opening of the discussions, he said he hoped the meeting would be “a step towards ending the war,” a powerful message reflecting both aspiration and urgency for peace after years of staggering human and material loss. �
Yahoo News Australia
Background: A War Entering Its Fourth Year
The full-scale war began in early 2022, when Russia launched a major invasion of Ukraine, triggering massive displacement, widespread destruction, and global geopolitical tensions. Ukraine has resisted occupation and received sustained support from Western allies, particularly in military aid and economic sanctions against Moscow. Despite intense fighting, the frontlines have shifted only modestly over time, and key contested areas — especially in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region — remain central to diplomatic disputes. �
The Independent
For months, the United States has been working to facilitate diplomatic engagement. U.S. officials, including special envoy Steve Witkoff, have engaged in shuttle diplomacy with both Kyiv and Moscow, trying to reconcile profound differences, particularly over territorial questions, security guarantees, and post-war reconstruction plans. �
The Sun
Key Issues on the Table
The agenda in Abu Dhabi focuses heavily on some of the most sensitive issues of the conflict:
Territorial Control and the Donbas: Russia continues to insist Ukraine relinquish control over major portions of the eastern Donbas region, which it claims as rightful Russian territory. Ukraine, for its part, rejects this outright, asserting that areas currently under its administration must remain sovereign Ukrainian land. �
Financial Times
Security Guarantees: Ukraine has sought binding security guarantees — potentially backed by international powers — to ensure it cannot again face unprovoked aggression. The U.S. has floated various proposals to secure such assurances, though details remain complex and contentious. �
The Sun
Demilitarized and Economic Zones: One proposal under discussion is transforming contested areas into demilitarized zones with open economic activity, a compromise that faces skepticism from all sides. Russia is reluctant to concede control, while Ukraine worries about how to preserve sovereignty and protect citizens. �
The Sun
These discussion points reflect the core challenge: how to build a peace framework that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty while addressing Moscow’s demands in a way that does not undermine long-term stability. �
AP News
Zelensky’s Message: Cautious Optimism
In his public remarks, Zelensky struck a balanced tone. He acknowledged that no immediate breakthrough was certain and that results would depend on whether Russia genuinely sought an end to hostilities. Nevertheless, he emphasized Ukraine’s willingness to engage constructively in diplomacy while protecting its national interests and territorial integrity. �
The Times
This approach indicates Kyiv’s desire to avoid being sidelined in talks that could shape its future. President Zelensky has consistently called for direct involvement of Ukraine’s leadership in any negotiations about its territory or security. His message to the world — and to Moscow — is that no peace is legitimate unless Ukraine’s voice is at the center of it. �
International Context and Global Stakes
The trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi are unfolding against broader international pressure for resolution. World leaders, including those at forums like the World Economic Forum in Davos, have urged renewed focus on peace efforts. While there is global support for Ukrainian sovereignty, opinions differ on the form and pace of ending the war. �
The Guardian
For the United States, these talks also reflect a shift in diplomatic posture. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly emphasized the importance of negotiating an end to the war, calling the conflict “ongoing” and suggesting that both Kyiv and Moscow must show flexibility. Trump’s approach has been met with mixed reactions from European allies and Ukrainian authorities alike. �
Al Jazeera
Meanwhile, ongoing military pressure persists on the ground. Even as diplomats meet, Russian forces continue attacks in eastern Ukraine, complicating the political environment and underscoring the urgency felt by Kyiv for a ceasefire. �
The Times
What Comes Next
The Abu Dhabi talks are scheduled to continue over two days. Observers caution that any meaningful progress will require sustained follow-up negotiations and trust-building measures among parties long locked in hostility. Zelensky’s hope that this first trilateral dialogue is a “step towards ending the war” reflects both a diplomatic opening and an acknowledgment that the path to peace is long and uncertain. �
Yahoo News Australia
For Ukraine, the priority remains clear: secure a future free from aggression, affirm national sovereignty, and ensure a peace that withstands the test of time. Whether the current talks can unlock that outcome is an open question — but for the first time in years, there is a formal space in which all three crucial parties are talking directly. �
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