Representatives of Russia and Ukraine gathered in Abu Dhabi on November 10, 2023, (Aban 19, 1402) to engage in peace talks for the first time since February. This meeting was held with the mediation of the United States and representatives of the Donald Trump administration, aiming to work towards ending the war in Ukraine.
Background of the Talks and Positions of the Parties
This meeting follows recent U.S. contacts with the warring parties, which, according to Jared Kushner, Trump's representative, have helped to narrow the gaps between the two sides' positions. At the start of the talks, he stated that the United States has good ideas for progress in this area and that Trump remains committed to achieving peace.
Despite U.S. optimism, the parties still have a long way to go regarding the terms of a final agreement, especially since it has been over four years since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and Russia controls about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory. The first round of talks ended without an immediate statement from either side, and the second round is scheduled for Wednesday.
Positions and International Concerns
Trump has increased pressure on Kyiv, stating last month that it is time for Ukraine to end the war or face severe consequences. He also indicated that this war will soon be resolved with a grand and beautiful agreement that may involve ensuring the security of the entire European continent. However, he has made predictions that have not materialized.
Rustam Emurov, Ukraine's chief representative, emphasized Kyiv's focus on achieving security guarantees and sustainable peace in his opening remarks. Subsequently, Sergey Lavrov, Russia's Foreign Minister, stressed Moscow's preference to negotiate a broader European security framework before addressing the details of the war. Lavrov stated, "The idea of setting clear parameters for a future security architecture and then resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict is entirely logical."
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, expressed a contrary view on Monday, stating that broader security negotiations should only begin after a ceasefire. Lavrov rejected this idea again, saying that Europeans are trying to buy time for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, new U.S. efforts to reach an agreement have prompted European officials to seek a place at the negotiating table to end the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II.
Before the main negotiations began, Ukrainian representatives separately met with European, NATO, and European Union representatives, as well as two American representatives, Kushner and Steve Witkoff. France also stated that no lasting peace in Ukraine is possible without considering European security, which requires European participation.
On the eve of the negotiations, Trump expressed hope that Washington would witness a "very strong willingness" to end the war, stating that both sides are "tired of the war." At the same time, Russian forces conducted airstrikes in 10 regions of Ukraine, leading to widespread power outages and the deaths of two individuals.
Russia has announced that an industrial facility was damaged in a Ukrainian drone attack in the city of Novgorod. Industrial sources have also reported that Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries since late October have reduced Russia's refining capacity by about 30 percent.
Generally, there is no indication that Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, is prepared to set aside his demand for Ukraine's surrender in the eastern Donbas region before a peace agreement. Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, has also refrained from ceding territory for which his forces have sacrificed their lives.
Zelensky stated on the eve of the negotiations that Ukraine's leverage has increased due to recent battlefield performance, which includes reclaiming some areas in Donetsk, a coal-mining region in Donbas. He added, "Ukrainian forces are genuinely strengthening Ukraine's negotiating position" and called on Washington to convince the Kremlin to end the war. American negotiators believe that Zelensky and Putin may reach a compromise regarding territory.
Under the proposed agreement, Ukraine could receive an end to the war, security guarantees, and a roadmap for joining the European Union. A senior Ukrainian official rejected this claim, stating that the government will not consider any form of surrender, and territorial issues will only be discussed at the leadership level and within the framework of appropriate security guarantees for Ukraine.
Read more: The United States Government Seeks to End the Ukraine-Russia War Under Trump's Leadership · Talks Between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States Begin in Abu Dhabi
