Ukraine and Russia are continuing peace negotiations in Abu Dhabi with the future of the Donbas region emerging as the central and most contentious issue in efforts to end the nearly four year long war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the talks are focused on resolving the territorial dispute in eastern Ukraine, which both sides describe as the key obstacle to reaching a settlement. The discussions mark the first known direct engagement between Ukrainian and Russian negotiators on a proposal being pushed by the administration of United States President Donald Trump.
Ukraine’s chief negotiator Rustem Umerov said the talks are examining the parameters for ending the war and the broader logic of the negotiation process. He emphasized that Ukraine is seeking security guarantees and a just outcome that respects its sovereignty.
Earlier versions of the United States proposal drew criticism from Kyiv and several European governments for appearing too close to Moscow’s demands. Later revisions, including the idea of deploying European peacekeepers, were rejected by Russia. The status of Donbas remains unresolved, with Moscow insisting Ukraine withdraw its forces from the region and Kyiv firmly rejecting those conditions.
The talks come as fighting continues on the ground, with Russian strikes causing civilian casualties and damaging energy infrastructure across Ukraine. European officials have accused Moscow of deliberately targeting heating and electricity systems during winter conditions.
Despite the ongoing violence, diplomatic momentum has increased in recent weeks. Zelensky met President Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos, while United States envoy Steve Witkoff held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
Both sides acknowledge that any agreement will hinge on Donbas, a region partly controlled by Russian forces since the early stages of the conflict. While optimism remains limited, the Abu Dhabi talks signal a renewed attempt to move the conflict from the battlefield to the negotiating table.
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