Russia-Ukraine talks turn to post-war security without breakthrough
Trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi between Russia, Ukraine, and the US focus on post-war security without a breakthrough, as a prisoner exchange is planned.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Secret trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi between Russia, Ukraine, and the US ended without a major breakthrough.
- Both Moscow and Kyiv confirmed preparations for a large-scale prisoner of war exchange in the near future.
- US negotiators are set to travel to Moscow and Dublin for high-level meetings with Russian and Ukrainian leaders.
- Disagreements remain over the Donetsk territorial question and the timeline for a potential ceasefire.
Trilateral negotiations held in Abu Dhabi between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States aimed at ending the ongoing war have concluded after a second consecutive day of talks, wrapping up without a major breakthrough or final agreement. Despite the lack of immediate diplomatic success, representatives from both Moscow and Kyiv confirmed that preparations for a large-scale prisoner of war exchange are currently underway and could be executed in the near future.
Kremlin negotiator Vladimir Medinsky adopted a less conciliatory tone following the sessions, stating that current progress heavily depends on the stance of Ukraine, the position of the United States, and whether European nations come to their senses regarding the geopolitical reality. Following the conclusion of the Abu Dhabi meetings, it was announced that US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Donald Trump, will travel to Moscow on Thursday to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, followed by a trip to Dublin to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The discussions in Abu Dhabi were primarily framed around establishing a new security architecture for Europe. For Kyiv, this framework could potentially involve security guarantees ensuring that Western allies will step in if Ukraine faces renewed aggression, despite the country not currently holding NATO membership. Medinsky explicitly compared this proposed framework to a modern version of the 1940s Yalta and Potsdam summits, historical meetings where victorious Allied powers carved up post-war Europe into distinct spheres of influence.
Comparing ongoing security talks to the Yalta and Potsdam conferences highlights Moscow's persistent strategic preference for great-power bargaining, often bypassing smaller European nations. This approach deeply concerns Kyiv and European capitals, which fear their long-term security interests might be compromised in a bilateral deal brokered solely between Washington and Moscow.
Ukraine and various European nations have long harbored deep concerns regarding the current US administration's commitment to European security and its perceived softening toward the Kremlin. Representatives from the United Kingdom, NATO, and several European Union member states were present in Abu Dhabi, holding separate discussions with US and Ukrainian negotiators. However, the Kremlin noted that its delegation had no direct contact with these European representatives, as Moscow does not officially communicate with the EU.
"Right now... a lot depends on Ukraine, on the position of the US, and on whether Europe comes to its senses."
Vladimir Medinsky
Moscow has consistently dismissed European involvement in the peace process, whereas European leaders argue they must remain central to any post-war dynamics on their continent. Many nations, particularly in eastern Europe, view their national security as inextricably linked to the survival and stability of Ukraine. A spokesperson for the German government emphasized that security agreements cannot be effectively implemented without a consensus among all NATO members. Meanwhile, Kushner acknowledged Washington's keen interest in bringing European partners on board, noting that incorporating them into the formal structure will be a key agenda item during his upcoming talks with Putin.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Significant disagreements also persist over the procedural roadmap toward a settlement. European nations and Kyiv strongly advocate for a formal ceasefire to precede any detailed discussions on a future security framework, whereas the Kremlin firmly insists that active fighting should only cease after a comprehensive agreement has been reached. Furthermore, a core obstacle remaining since talks began last year is the status of Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, which is largely occupied by Russian forces. Kyiv insists on freezing the current contact line to maintain control over territories it deems vital to its national security, while Kushner acknowledged that the territorial question remains the most difficult hurdle to clear.
Source: BBC World
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