Parameters For Ending War Central Focus: Zelenskyy As Russia-Ukraine-US Talks In UAE End Without Breakthrough

Russia, Ukraine and the United States concluded a rare round of trilateral peace talks in Abu Dhabi without reaching a deal, but all sides signalled willingness to continue negotiations as early as next week. The central focus of the discussions was the possible parameters for ending the war.

Latest round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks came just days ahead of the ongoing war set to complete four years. The meetings unfolded against a grim backdrop, with fresh Russian airstrikes battering Ukraine’s energy infrastructure even as diplomats sat at the table.

Russia-Ukraine peace talks UAE: What all happened?

The Abu Dhabi meetings marked the first talks attended by Russian, Ukrainian and US representatives together since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago (February 2022). Hosted by the United Arab Emirates, the discussions were billed by Kyiv as the first formal trilateral engagement under a US-brokered peace process.

The UAE said the talks featured direct, face-to-face engagement between Russian and Ukrainian officials, a rare occurrence in the conflict.

Did UAE talks produce any concrete outcomes?

No agreements were announced at the end of the two-day discussions. However, both Moscow and Kyiv said the talks were “constructive” and agreed to report back to their respective capitals on the discussions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said all sides would now consult their leaderships on “each aspect of the negotiations” and coordinate next steps, adding that further meetings could take place soon. “A lot was discussed, and it is important that the conversations were constructive,” he said.

He further noted the American side raised the issue of potential formats for formalising the parameters for ending the war, as well as the security conditions required to achieve this. As a result of the meetings held over these days, all sides agreed to report back in their capitals on each aspect of the negotiations and to coordinate further steps with their leaders.

What issues were discussed at the negotiating table?

According to Zelenskyy, the central focus was on possible parameters for ending the war, including formats for formally codifying a peace settlement, security guarantees required for any agreement, confidence-building measures to sustain dialogue.

Moreover, the military representatives have identified a list of issues for a potential next meeting. Provided there is readiness to move forward – and Ukraine is ready – further meetings will take place, potentially as early as next week.

The UAE added the talks addressed “outstanding elements” of the US-proposed peace framework, alongside steps aimed at easing tensions and building trust.

Russia-Ukraine peace: Territory the biggest sticking point?

Territorial control in eastern Ukraine, particularly Donbas, remains the core obstacle. Russia continues to insist that Ukraine cede all of Donetsk and Luhansk, including areas still under Kyiv’s control. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated ahead of the talks that Moscow has not softened its position.

President Vladimir Putin demands Ukraine surrender around 20–25% of Donetsk that it still holds, an idea that Zelenskyy has firmly rejected. “Russia’s position is well known on the fact that Ukraine, Ukrainian armed forces, have to leave the territory of the Donbas. They must be withdrawn from there,” Kremlin spokesman Peskov said.

Kyiv maintains that giving up territory not captured by Russia is unacceptable, a stance backed by Ukrainian public opinion.

What compromises are being floated?

Zelenskyy last month stated that a 20-point US peace plan is around 90% ready, with Donbas as one of the unresolved issues. Ukraine has proposed a demilitarised and free economic zone in Donbas; mutual troop withdrawals of up to 40 km from the region; security guarantees for Ukraine in return.

Russia has so far shown little interest in these proposals.

UAE peace talks: Who represented the three sides?

Ukraine was led by National Security and Defence Council chief Rustem Umerov, joined by intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov, negotiator David Arakhamia, and later the chief of the general staff Andrii Hnatov.

Russia delegation was headed General Igor Kostyukov, director of the GRU military intelligence agency, with economic discussions handled separately by investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev.

The United States was represented by peace envoy Steve Witkoff, alongside senior officials including Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law.

Fighting on the ground undermines talks

Even as talks progressed, Ukraine endured one of the heaviest aerial assaults in recent weeks. Russia launched 375 drones and 21 missiles, targeting energy infrastructure in Kyiv and Kharkiv.

The strikes left up to 800,000 people without electricity and heating in subzero temperatures, killing at least one person and injuring dozens. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused Moscow of acting “cynically,” saying Russian missiles struck “not only our people, but also the negotiation table.”

Meanwhile, US envoy Steve Witkoff said earlier this week that “a lot of progress” had been made and claimed only one major issue remained unresolved. Russian officials, however, have sounded far more sceptical, underlining the gap between diplomatic optimism and battlefield realities.