Ukraine and Russia concluded their first trilateral peace negotiations with the United States this weekend, ending two days of talks without reaching an agreement as territorial disputes remain unresolved.
The meetings were the first time officials from all three countries gathered since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the discussions as constructive but cautioned that progress depends on Russia’s willingness to compromise.
“A lot was discussed, and it is important that the conversations were constructive,” Zelenskyy said. “The central focus of the discussions was the possible parameters for ending the war.”
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The central sticking point remains Russia’s demand that Ukraine surrender the entire eastern Donbas region. Ukraine currently controls approximately 20% of Donetsk, roughly 5,000 square kilometers. Zelenskyy has refused to cede territory under Ukrainian control.
“Russia’s position is well known — Ukraine and the Ukrainian Armed Forces must leave the territory of Donbas and withdraw from there,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. “This is a very important condition.”
Russia launched a massive attack during the second day of negotiations, deploying 375 drones and 21 missiles that targeted energy infrastructure. The strikes cut power and heat to large portions of Kyiv in sub-zero temperatures.
“His missiles hit not only our people, but also the negotiation table,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote on social media platform X.
Ukraine’s delegation included chief negotiator Rustem Umerov and military intelligence head Kyrylo Budanov. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner represented Washington. A UAE government statement described the atmosphere as “constructive and positive.”
Zelenskyy indicated that additional meetings could occur as early as next week. President Donald Trump told reporters that both leaders want a deal. “Everybody’s making concessions to get it done,” Trump said.
On Sunday, speaking in Vilnius, Lithuania, Zelenskyy announced that a US security guarantees document is complete. “The document is 100% ready, and we are waiting for our partners to confirm the date and place when we will sign it,” Zelenskyy said. The document would then require ratification by the US Congress and Ukrainian parliament.
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