Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that the United Arab Emirates will host a significant two-day trilateral meeting involving the United States, Ukraine, and Russia, commencing on Friday, January 23. This development marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to resolve the nearly four-year-old Russian invasion of Ukraine.
First Trilateral Meeting in the Emirates
Speaking after his address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Zelensky confirmed the upcoming talks, stating, "It will be the first trilateral meeting in the Emirates. It will be tomorrow and the day after tomorrow." However, he did not clarify whether Ukrainian and Russian officials would engage directly in the discussions, leaving the format of the negotiations somewhat ambiguous.
Russians Must Be Ready for Compromises
Zelensky emphasized that any potential breakthrough in the conflict would require concessions from Moscow. He asserted, "Russians have to be ready for compromises because, you know, everybody has to be ready, not only Ukraine. And this is important for us." This statement underscores Ukraine's stance that a resolution must involve mutual adjustments from all parties involved.
Documents to End the War Nearly Ready
The Ukrainian president revealed that documents being drafted in collaboration with Washington to conclude the war are close to completion. "The documents aimed at ending this war are nearly, nearly ready," Zelensky told the WEF audience. He acknowledged the complexity of the process, noting, "We met with President Trump, and our teams are working almost every day. It's not simple."
Dialogue with Trump Described as Positive
Zelensky described his negotiations with US President Donald Trump as challenging yet constructive. He said, "My dialogue with President Trump is not simple," but added that their recent meeting was "positive." Echoing this sentiment, Trump told reporters, "The meeting was good with President Zelensky. We'll see how it turns out. This war has to end."
Ukraine Seeks Firm US Security Guarantees
Reiterating a key demand, Zelensky stressed that Ukraine requires robust security guarantees from the United States to prevent future Russian aggression, beyond commitments from European allies. He explained, "The UK and France are ready to actually commit their forces on the ground. But the backstop of President Trump is needed. And again, no security guarantees work without the US." This highlights Kyiv's reliance on American support for long-term security.
Focus on Air Defence and Energy Attacks
Zelensky mentioned that his discussions with Trump also covered air defence capabilities, though he provided no specifics. He accused Russia of deliberately targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure to cause blackouts during one of the country's harshest winters in years, stating, "This is the face of Russia." Despite Ukraine's ability to produce thousands of interceptor drones daily, he admitted it remains insufficient against the scale of Russian missile and drone attacks.
Critique of Europe's Security Posture
In a sharp critique, Zelensky questioned Europe's readiness to ensure long-term security, likening the continent's repeated debates to the film Groundhog Day. He recalled, "Just last year, here in Davos, I ended my speech with the words: Europe needs to know how to defend itself. A year has passed. And nothing has changed. We are still in a situation where I must say the same words again." His comments reflect Kyiv's concern that without decisive US involvement, European security guarantees alone may not deter Russia.
The announcement of the UAE-hosted talks comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the conflict, with Zelensky's remarks at Davos highlighting the complexities and challenges in achieving a lasting peace.
