1. What are these trilateral talks and when are they happening?
Russia announced it would hold three-way security talks with U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Friday. These are the first trilateral negotiations since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, following what Russia described as a “constructive and very frank” meeting between U.S. diplomats and Russian President Vladimir Putin the day before.
2. Who is representing each country in these negotiations?
Russia will be led by Admiral Igor Kostyukov, with investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev meeting separately with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country would be represented by top adviser Rustem Umerov and his new Chief of Staff Kyrylo Budanov.
3. What is the main obstacle preventing a peace agreement?
Territorial issues remain the central sticking point, with both sides acknowledging this must be resolved before lasting peace can be achieved. Kremlin official Yuri Ushakov stated that without resolving the territorial issue according to the formula agreed upon when Mr. Putin and President Trump met in Anchorage, Alaska, last year, there is no hope of achieving a long-term settlement.
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4. What are Russia’s key demands for a peace deal?
Russia has repeatedly insisted that Ukraine surrender all territory currently occupied by Russian forces in eastern Ukraine and give up the last 20% of territory it controls in the Donetsk region. Moscow has also rejected any proposals that would allow foreign troops to enter Ukraine or permit Ukraine to join NATO.
5. What progress has been made ahead of these talks?
Mr. Trump met with Zelenskyy at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday, where the two reportedly finalized the terms of U.S.-backed security guarantees for Kyiv. However, Ukraine has refused to give up large swaths of territory, arguing that its troops have fought and died to keep the land for years.
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