The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, stated that the trilateral negotiations held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, were conducted in a constructive manner. According to the head of state, the main focus during the discussions was on exploring possible parameters for ending the war and ensuring real security for Ukraine.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Outcomes and Prospects of the Negotiation Process
Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the importance of American monitoring and control over the implementation of agreements regarding the end of the war. He highlighted that the Ukrainian side is ready for further steps, and the next meeting could take place as early as next week, provided that the participants are prepared to move forward.
“The main focus of the discussions was on the possible parameters for ending the war. I greatly appreciate the recognition of the need for American monitoring and control over the process of ending the war and ensuring real security.”
Axios journalist Barak Ravid, citing Ukrainian officials, also reported that the negotiations were positive and constructive, and the next round of dialogue could occur in the coming days.
Key Issues and Positions of the Parties
President Zelensky previously noted that the issue of Donbas remains central in the negotiations in Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov reported that during recent negotiations between U.S. representatives and Vladimir Putin, the parties acknowledged the impossibility of achieving a long-term settlement without addressing the territorial issue according to the so-called Anchorage formula. At the same time, the Kremlin refused to clarify what this formula means but reiterated the demand for the withdrawal of the Armed Forces of Ukraine from the territory of Donbas.
In December, Volodymyr Zelensky stressed that the question of possible territorial solutions should be brought to the consideration of the Ukrainian people “in the format of elections or in the format of a referendum.” In response, Yuri Ushakov stated that “the entire Donbas is Russian.”
As of today, part of Donbas remains under the control of Ukrainian forces, where fierce combat continues.