U.S., Russia, and Ukraine Hold “Productive” Talks in Abu Dhabi
The trilateral talks between the U.S., Russia, and ukraine in Abu dhabi were “productive” and made progress, U.S. officials said.
Why it matters: The talks represent a new phase in U.S. mediation efforts aimed at ending the war. President Trump’s advisors were very optimistic after the talks on Saturday and believe they have established a path to narrow the gaps on the key sticking point – territorial control in eastern Ukraine.
Driving the news: The talks took place as Russia launched another massive missile and drone attack against Kyiv and other cities overnight.
- Ukrainian President Zelensky said 370 attack drones and 21 missiles of various types were fired by the Russian military.
- “We must ensure full implementation of everything agreed with president Trump in Davos regarding air defense,” he stressed.
Behind the scenes: It took several months for the White House to convince the Russians and Ukrainians to hold trilateral talks with U.S. mediation, two U.S. officials said in a briefing with reporters on Saturday.
- They added that the meeting between President Trump and Zelensky in Davos on Thursday afternoon and the four-hour meeting between his envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and President Putin in Moscow on Thursday night laid the groundwork for the talks in Abu Dhabi.
- “Both Putin and Zelensky agreed to send their negotiators. It shows they believe progress is being made,” one of the officials stated.
