What's happened
On January 23, 2026, Ukraine, the US, and Russia held their first trilateral peace talks in Abu Dhabi, aiming to resolve the ongoing conflict. The main sticking point remains control over eastern Ukraine's Donbas region. Ukrainian President Zelensky met US President Trump in Davos, where they discussed security guarantees and a near-final peace plan. Despite progress, territorial disputes and Moscow's demands continue to challenge negotiations.
What's behind the headline?
The Core Impasse: Territory
The conflict's resolution hinges on the fate of Ukraine's eastern Donbas region, which Russia demands Kyiv cede. Ukraine's refusal to withdraw from these territories underscores the deep-rooted sovereignty issues at stake. This territorial dispute is the linchpin preventing a lasting peace agreement.
The Role of the US and Trump
US involvement, particularly under Trump, has been pivotal yet controversial. Trump's direct engagement, including meetings with both Zelensky and Putin, signals a push for a deal, but his previous pressure on Ukraine to accept unfavorable terms complicates trust. The US's promise of "robust" security guarantees aims to reassure Ukraine but remains unsigned.
Europe's Position and Zelensky's Critique
Zelensky's sharp criticism of Europe's inaction highlights a geopolitical rift. He accuses European nations of internal divisions and failure to act decisively against Russia, contrasting with their financial and political support. This tension may influence the broader diplomatic landscape and the enforcement of sanctions, such as those against Russia's "shadow fleet" oil tankers.
The Significance of the Abu Dhabi Talks
The trilateral meeting in the UAE is unprecedented and symbolizes a potential turning point. However, skepticism remains due to past failed talks and the Kremlin's insistence on conditions. The presence of senior negotiators from all sides suggests seriousness, but the outcome depends on Moscow's willingness to compromise.
Forecast and Impact
Given the entrenched positions, a comprehensive peace deal will require significant concessions, particularly from Russia. The talks will likely continue with incremental progress rather than immediate resolution. For the international community and Ukrainians enduring winter hardships, the stakes are high: peace would alleviate civilian suffering and stabilize the region, while failure prolongs conflict and geopolitical instability.
What the papers say
France 24 reports that the US initially proposed a peace plan criticized for being too close to Russia's demands, while later drafts faced Moscow's rejection over European peacekeepers. Ukrainian President Zelensky emphasized that "territory remains the key issue," with Moscow demanding Kyiv's withdrawal from Donbas. Sky News highlights the trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi as a "significant moment," noting that "the main sticking point remains territory," with Zelensky refusing to concede Donetsk. The Independent captures Zelensky's sharp rebuke of Europe's inaction, quoting him saying, "Europe looks lost trying to convince the US President to change," and praising France's interception of a Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker. The Moscow Times details Zelensky's "Groundhog Day" analogy for repeated diplomatic failures and his call for Europe to become a "global force," while noting the ongoing US-Russia talks involving Trump's envoys. Politico confirms the trilateral meeting as the first since the war began, with Zelensky expressing hope for compromises but acknowledging uncertainty. The New York Times frames Zelensky's Davos visit as a sign of potential progress, focusing on security guarantees and postwar recovery plans discussed with Trump. Together, these sources illustrate a complex diplomatic dance marked by cautious optimism, persistent territorial disputes, and geopolitical tensions.
How we got here
Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago, peace talks have been intermittent and fraught. Previous negotiations, including prisoner exchanges and military discussions, failed to resolve territorial disputes, especially over Donbas. The US has proposed multiple peace plans, with security guarantees for Ukraine, but Moscow insists on Ukrainian withdrawal from occupied eastern regions. The current trilateral talks mark the first direct meeting of all three parties since the war began.
Go deeper
- What are the main obstacles to the Ukraine peace deal?
- How is Europe responding to Zelensky's criticism?
- What role is the US playing in the negotiations?
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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Jared Corey Kushner is an American investor, real-estate developer, and newspaper publisher who is currently senior advisor to his father-in-law, Donald Trump, the President of the United States.
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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