Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the possibility of rescheduling the date or changing the location of the next round of peace negotiations mediated by the United States between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. According to him, it is still unknown when and where the next meeting will take place, although it was previously planned to be held in Abu Dhabi on February 1.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Reasons for Possible Changes in the Negotiation Schedule
During a conversation with journalists, Zelensky emphasized that it is important for Ukraine that all parties involved in the previous agreements be present at the meeting. However, due to the current international situation, particularly the developments between the United States and Iran, adjustments to the negotiation schedule may be necessary.
“It was supposed to be on Sunday. We agreed that the meeting would be in Abu Dhabi. It is very important for us that everyone we have agreed with is present at the meeting because everyone is expecting feedback. But the date or location may change”
Zelensky also explained that uncertainty remains regarding key issues of the negotiations, particularly territorial compromise. Talks to end the war are ongoing, but consensus on this point has not yet been reached.
Current State of Negotiations and Positions of the Parties
On January 23 and 24, the first negotiations since the beginning of the full-scale war took place in Abu Dhabi between the delegations of the United States, Ukraine, and Russia regarding conflict resolution. The Ukrainian side was represented by high-ranking officials, including the head of the President’s Office and the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, while the Russian side was represented by the head of military intelligence, the GRU.
The next round in the UAE capital was planned for February 1. At the same time, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that U.S. President’s Special Envoy Steve Vitkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former President Donald Trump, would not participate in the upcoming negotiations.
The issue of territorial distribution remains a major sticking point. Russia demands that the Armed Forces of Ukraine withdraw from the territories of the Donetsk region still controlled by Ukrainian forces. Kyiv insists on maintaining its positions regarding territorial integrity.
During a visit to Vilnius, Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine is not changing its demands regarding territories and called for all parties to be ready to seek compromises. In addition, he reported that bilateral security guarantees with the United States have already been fully agreed upon, and Kyiv expects their signing soon.
The President previously emphasized that issues of territorial concessions should be decided by a national referendum or through elections, leaving this decision to the discretion of the people of Ukraine. Meanwhile, the Kremlin continues to reject Western security guarantees for Ukraine and adheres to its maximalist goals in the war.