Ukraine peace talks resume with 'some flexibility' by warring sides, US officials say

Senior representatives from Kyiv, Moscow, and Washington have gathered in Abu Dhabi to initiate the first trilateral discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine since February. As the fifth anniversary of the full-scale invasion approaches, these Ukraine peace talks are being closely watched for any signs of a potential breakthrough. US officials have indicated that both Moscow and Kyiv are privately demonstrating a small degree of flexibility regarding the status of eastern territories, despite their public stances remaining deeply divided.

Officials are meeting in Abu Dhabi for the first trilateral discussions on the Ukraine war since February.

Navigating the Ukraine peace deal

The core of the current disagreement centers on the Donetsk region, which is largely occupied by Russian forces. While Moscow insists that Ukraine must relinquish control over the remaining sections, Kyiv seeks to freeze the contact line to maintain its hold on areas it deems critical for future security. US officials involved in the process suggest that while neither side has officially shifted, private discussions may offer more room for negotiation. However, experts note that territorial issues cannot be resolved in isolation from a broader post-war security architecture.

Jared Kushner, part of the US delegation alongside envoy Steve Witkoff, emphasized that the meetings are focused on addressing the postwar security concerns of both nations. The proposed framework includes crisis communication hotlines, security consultations, and potential reciprocal de-escalation measures. There is also discussion regarding the possible reactivation of the Nato-Russia Council, which has been largely dormant since 2022.

International involvement and skepticism

The current round of talks marks a shift toward a potentially multilateral format. European leaders, who were largely excluded from previous negotiations, are now pushing for inclusion to ensure their continent's security interests are addressed. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has advocated for a meaningful role for Nato and EU members in these discussions. While the US delegation intends to invite European participation, officials noted that Moscow remains hesitant about engaging directly with European counterparts.

Despite the diplomatic activity, skepticism remains high in Ukraine. Some officials, including the head of the parliamentary foreign affairs committee, fear that the push for a quick agreement could come at the expense of Ukrainian sovereignty. Critics argue that as long as Russia maintains its military capacity, there is little incentive for the Kremlin to pursue a fair peace, suggesting that sustained pressure remains necessary.

Why it matters

These talks represent a critical attempt to establish a framework for ending the war, affecting the security landscape of Europe and beyond. The shift toward a multilateral approach highlights the growing demand for European involvement in decisions that will shape the continent's future stability.