In Shorts
- Donbas set as main focus at Ukraine-Russia-US trilateral negotiations in Abu Dhabi.
- Zelensky insists Ukraine will not give up territory not captured by Russia.
- Diplomacy under pressure as all sides seek progress in a war nearing its fourth year.
Abu Dhabi, UAE — President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that the future of the Donbas region will be at the heart of ongoing trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States. The discussions, taking place in the United Arab Emirates capital, are aimed at exploring avenues toward a broader peace agreement in the long-running Russo-Ukrainian conflict.
In comments to journalists on Friday, Zelensky said the territorial dispute over Donbas, a contested eastern region partially occupied by Russian forces, was a “key issue” for all parties. He said the talks over the coming days would probe how each side views the region’s status and what modalities could be acceptable to all.
Kyiv is facing increased diplomatic pressure from Washington to engage in negotiations that could yield a formal end to hostilities. However, Zelensky has repeatedly made clear that Ukraine will not willingly surrender land it still controls. He also underscored the importance of security guarantees from Western partners to prevent future aggression, a central element alongside territorial discussions.
The peace talks mark a rare three-way engagement involving the United States directly alongside representatives from Kyiv and Moscow, raising hopes among some diplomats that common ground might be found even amid deep disagreements. Ukraine’s negotiating team will provide Zelensky with updates at every stage, according to his office.
Russia, for its part, continues to frame the demand for control over Donbas as a non-negotiable precondition for progress, reflecting Moscow’s longstanding position that the region is historically linked to Russian interests. Despite this, Ukraine has steadfastly rejected any proposal that would see it relinquish territory not under occupation.
The Abu Dhabi talks come as Ukraine navigates a complex diplomatic landscape, seeking peace while protecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Observers say the dispute over Donbas is likely to shape not just the outcome of these negotiations but the broader prospects for ending the nearly four-year war.
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