Trump envoys bring Russia and Ukraine together for first peace talks in 9 months
ABU DHABI: Russian and Ukrainian officials met in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday for their first US-brokered talks since February, after President Donald Trump suggested last week that a broad deal was possible on ending the war in Ukraine and guaranteeing security in Europe. US envoy Jared Kushner told delegates that recent contacts with both sides had “really identified, narrowed the gaps”, and the US…
Abu Dhabi hosted the inaugural US-brokered talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials since February, after President Donald Trump hinted at a potential cease-fire deal to end the conflict in Ukraine. Jared Kushner, the US envoy, informed the delegates that recent interactions with both parties had highlighted the narrowing of differences, and that the US had some viable ideas to bridge their gaps.
Trump expressed his commitment to achieving peace, stating that he had urged his team to put extra effort into finding a solution that would not only end the war but also strengthen both sides' positions. Despite the optimism, significant disagreements persist between Moscow and Kyiv on the terms of a possible settlement, as both sides remain far apart.
Ukraine's chief delegate, Rustem Umerov, expressed Kyiv's focus on securing guarantees and a lasting peace, while Russia's Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, advocated for negotiating a broader European security framework before addressing the war specifics. Lavrov dismissed the notion of a truce, accusing Europeans of seeking to buy time for Ukraine.
European officials, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, pushed for a role in the talks, emphasizing the need for Europeans to address European security. Russia firmly opposed the inclusion of Europeans in the talks with Ukraine and the US. The talks were preceded by private meetings between the US President and Russia's envoy at the White House, where Trump predicted a possible peace deal soon.
However, Putin's insistence on Ukraine ceding the entire Donbas region before a peace deal was struck remained a persistent obstacle. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy claimed that Ukrainian forces had strengthened Ukraine's negotiating position due to recent battlefield advancements, while Moscow disputed these claims and alleged "record losses."
Ukrainian officials denied any territory concessions, insisting that any discussion on territory could only occur at the leaders' level with appropriate security guarantees for Ukraine.
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