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Trilateral Peace Talks Open in Abu Dhabi
Trilateral negotiations between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States have commenced in Abu Dhabi. The meetings aim to address the ongoing conflict, though expectations for an immediate breakthrough remain low according to officials.
The discussions follow a deadly Russian strike in Zaporizhzhia that resulted in at least 40 deaths. US officials noted that Moscow and Kyiv have privately demonstrated some flexibility regarding the control of eastern regions in a postwar scenario, though public stances remain far apart.
Key Issues and Territorial Disagreements
A primary point of contention involves the eastern region of Donetsk. Russia demands that Ukraine relinquish the parts of Donetsk it still controls, while Kyiv seeks to freeze the contact line to maintain security. US representatives indicated that a final resolution on territory will depend on establishing a new postwar security architecture.
- Postwar security measures could involve allied guarantees for Ukraine.
- Russia maintains its ambition for NATO to roll back its presence in eastern Europe.
- Proposed frameworks include crisis communications hotlines and reciprocal de-escalation steps.
European Involvement and Regional Concerns
European officials have expressed wariness regarding potential bilateral deals between the US and Russia on collective security. Representatives from France, the UK, and Germany are participating in the meetings following pushes by European leaders to be included in the diplomatic process.
US delegates plan to propose moving toward a multilateral format that incorporates European discussions, despite acknowledged diplomatic friction between Moscow and European nations. Meanwhile, military strikes and bombardments continue to affect infrastructure and populations within Ukraine as the diplomatic talks proceed.
Source: Ukraine peace talks resume with 'some flexibility' by warring sides, US officials say