What Vladimir Putin won in Abu Dhabi Ukraine peace talks

The latest round of U.S.-brokered Ukraine peace talks in Abu Dhabi have left many observers wondering what Vladimir Putin has gained from the negotiations. Donald Trump's envoys apparently endorsed Russia's longstanding demand to negotiate everything at once, and the U.S. president raised the prospect of a "very big" deal involving all of Europe.

Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, explained to reporters that the ambitious goal now agreed upon is to discuss all the issues together and find a pathway to settle them all at the same time. However, experienced diplomatic negotiators have expressed skepticism about this approach, as it bypasses crucial steps like establishing a ceasefire or breaking down complex issues into manageable tasks.

Russian officials have long been eager to implement the "let's talk about everything" strategy, which they believe will divert attention from the war on Ukraine. While Ukraine and European leaders have rejected this approach, the Kremlin remains determined to achieve its longstanding goals, including guarantees that Kyiv will never join NATO and the international recognition of Crimea and the four eastern regions claimed by Russia.

Despite repeated warnings from Ukrainian officials and experts, assumptions that Putin truly wants peace or will accept a reasonable deal are being dismissed as misguided. The Kremlin's relentless tactics, which involve muddling situations and wearing down opponents, have been evident throughout the years of negotiations, notably in Syria.

Russian experts claim that Putin's ultimate goal remains the expansion of Russian influence, while Ukrainian officials remain steadfast in their pursuit of freedom and independence.