Any breakthrough? U.S.-Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Abu Dhabi: "Differences have narrowed"

From the 10th to the 11th, the United States, Ukraine and Russia held trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi. (AP)

Under the mediation of the United States, the Russian and Ukrainian delegations launched trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, on the 10th. This was the first peace negotiation held in nine months since February this year. U.S. Special Envoy Jared Kushner pointed out that the differences between the two sides have narrowed, but there are still gaps in positions on core issues such as territorial concessions and security.

According to Reuters, the negotiations were chaired by U.S. special envoys Kunash and Steve Witkoff. In his opening speech, Ukrainian representative and intelligence chief Rustem Umerov emphasized that the Kiev authorities are focused on obtaining substantial security guarantees and achieving lasting peace; Vladimir Medinsky, the head of the Russian delegation, said that Moscow hopes to move towards the goal of peace.

However, four and a half years after the war began, the Russian army still occupies about one-fifth of Ukraine's territory, and the two sides still have serious differences on reconciliation conditions and territorial disputes. Russian President Vladimir Putin still insists that Ukraine must give up the eastern Donbas region, while Ukrainian President Zelensky firmly refuses to cede territory, pointing out that the Ukrainian army's recent counterattack gains have increased its bargaining chips.

U.S. officials revealed that the potential agreement may include a ceasefire, providing security guarantees to Ukraine, and a roadmap to join the European Union. Senior Uzbek officials strictly denied that territorial compromises would be made, emphasizing that territorial issues can only be discussed at the leadership level and with security guarantees.