Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine aimed at ending over four years of war began on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi. The United States, as a mediator, is looking to create a "new security framework" for Europe, amid rising concerns about potential plans by Donald Trump, the U.S. President, to reach an agreement with Moscow regarding the continent's future.
Initial Meetings and Representatives from Both Sides
In these negotiations, representatives from Russia and Ukraine were seated across from each other, with Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, and Steve Witkoff, his business partner, at the head of the table. The Ukrainian delegation, led by Rustem Umerov, head of the intelligence service, met with American representatives and European and NATO officials to lay the groundwork before the negotiations began.
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Russia's attack on Ukraine has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands. As another winter of war approaches, Ukraine and its European allies are concerned that Washington may pressure Kyiv into accepting an unofficial defeat.
Prospects for Negotiations and Current Conditions
Kushner stated at the beginning of the negotiations that the United States hopes to establish appropriate security relations among Ukraine, Russia, and Europe, not only to end this war but also to create a "new framework and understanding" for ensuring lasting peace in the decades and even centuries to come. He also acknowledged the existence of "intense emotions" in Ukraine, Russia, and Europe.
Before launching its attack in 2022, Moscow had called for a reduction of NATO forces from Eastern Europe and has expressed its grievances with the West throughout the war. For the first time, Russia has added a diplomat named Sergey Ryabkov to its representatives, who had issued ultimatums to the West before the war began.
Vladimir Medinsky, the nationalist advisor to the President of Russia and head of the Russian delegation, expressed hope that Moscow's "larger and more professional" team could help advance peace. According to a source in the Russian team, "the Ukraine issue, while critical, is just one item on the agenda of the negotiations." The main goal is to "create a comprehensive and indivisible security structure for the entire continent."
While Umerov, the senior Ukrainian representative, stated that Kyiv's priority in these negotiations is to secure a ceasefire, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also reacted strongly to the Russian attacks ahead of the negotiations, describing them as part of Moscow's strategy to pressure Ukraine's position in the talks.
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