Russia and Ukraine Return to the Table in Abu Dhabi as Trump Pushes for a Broad Peace Deal

Delegations from Moscow and Kyiv sat down in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday for the first American mediated talks since February. The meeting is scheduled to run two days, with envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner acting as go-betweens. Trump says a wide agreement on ending the war and securing Europe is possible, citing a “very strong inclination” to stop and sides that are “tired of fighting.” He spoke last week with a representative of Vladimir Putin at the White House. Diplomacy has revived after months in which Washington was busy with the war in Iran.

Territory Remains the Biggest Obstacle

More than four and a half years into the invasion, Russia controls roughly a fifth of Ukraine, and the two countries still disagree sharply. Putin has shown no public sign of dropping his demand that Ukraine give up all of Donbas. Volodymyr Zelenskiy refuses to surrender land his soldiers died defending, and says recent gains in Donetsk strengthen his hand. A US official believes both leaders might each give a little, in exchange for an end to the fighting, security guarantees and a path to EU membership.

Europe Wants a Seat in Ukraine Peace Negotiations

Chief negotiator Rustem Umerov met European, NATO and EU officials before the main session and said Kyiv wants Europe involved. France argues that lasting peace is impossible without addressing European security. Russia sees no role for Europeans, and a member of its delegation said the aim is to shape a new security framework for the continent once the war ends.