Russia-Ukraine-US Peace Talks Continue Amid Heavy Kyiv Bombardment
As diplomatic efforts to end the nearly four-year-long conflict intensify, representatives from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States are set to continue their trilateral peace talks in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. This development comes even as the Ukrainian capital Kyiv reels under what officials describe as a massive enemy attack involving missiles and drones.
Abu Dhabi Negotiations: A Three-Way Dialogue
The direct talks, which commenced on Friday, mark a significant step in international mediation efforts, with the United Arab Emirates foreign ministry stating they aim to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis. Officials from the Trump administration met simultaneously with negotiators from both Ukraine and Russia, setting the stage for continued discussions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in his evening address on Friday, revealed that the Ukrainian delegation has been providing him with near-hourly updates. They are discussing the parameters for ending the war, Zelenskyy said, emphasizing that Russia must demonstrate a genuine willingness to conclude the conflict it initiated.
However, the Ukrainian leader cautioned against premature conclusions, noting he would assess progress based on Saturday's talks. It's not just about Ukraine's desire to end this war and achieve full security — it's also about Russia somehow developing a similar desire, he added.
Behind the Scenes: Pre-Talk Diplomacy and Sticking Points
Just hours before the three-way negotiations began, Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in marathon overnight discussions with Trump's envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, focusing on a potential Ukraine settlement. The Kremlin has maintained a firm stance, insisting that any peace deal requires Kyiv to withdraw its troops from eastern territories that Russia has illegally annexed but not fully captured.
Following a meeting with former US President Donald Trump in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday, Zelenskyy indicated that peace proposals are nearly ready, though the future status of Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine remains unresolved. He also expressed openness to establishing a Ukrainian-controlled free trade zone in the east, a proposal discussed with Trump that he believes could benefit Ukrainian businesses.
Escalating Violence: Casualties in Kyiv and Kharkiv
Even as diplomats convene in Abu Dhabi, the conflict on the ground shows no signs of abating. Russian strikes overnight killed one person and injured at least fifteen others in Ukraine's capital Kyiv and the northeastern city of Kharkiv. Authorities issued air raid alerts across the country, with military officials in Kyiv specifically warning of drone and ballistic missile threats.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko took to Telegram to alert residents, stating, Kyiv is under a massive enemy attack. Do not leave shelters! He reported that several non-residential buildings had been hit, with one fatality and four injuries confirmed, three of whom required hospitalization.
Regional and Global Concerns Over Secret Peace Plan
Reports of a secret 28-point peace plan brokered between the US and Russia have sparked apprehension in Ukraine and across Europe. Concerns center on the proposal potentially involving territorial concessions and a reduction in military aid to Ukraine. As the talks progress, the international community watches closely, balancing hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough against the stark reality of ongoing violence and humanitarian suffering.
The continuation of negotiations amidst such intense hostilities underscores the complex and urgent nature of the conflict, with all parties navigating a delicate path between dialogue and defense.
